BASILICA SAINT-PROCOPE (BAZILIKA SV. PROKOPA)

This beautiful Romanesque-Gothic stone church, was built during the second half of the 13th century, during the extension of the Benedictine abbey of Třebíč. The oldest buildings are in the late Romanesque and then Gothic style, making it a major medieval architectural monument. The entrance portal, representing the entrance to heaven, is magnificent, as is the huge crypt with Romanesque columns. It is hard to imagine that until a few years ago this place was relatively abandoned and had very little mystical function: in the course of its long history it was used as a storeroom, a prison and even a brewery. Inside, the three naves are supported by imposing pillars. The boldly shaped vaults in some places resemble vast parachutes on top of the beautiful stone walls. The murals are also remarkable and the oldest of their kind in Central Europe. Behind the altar, the gothic rosette inspired by the one in the cathedral of Reims is worth a visit. The ensemble remains very harmonious despite some jarring details related to later reconstructions, mostly in Renaissance style. Just like the other monuments in Třebíč, the basilica did suffer from the siege by Hungarian troops in the late 15th century and underwent some work afterwards. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco since 2003.