Basilica of Saint Margaret, Minor basilica in Břevnov, Czech Republic.
The Basilica of Saint Margaret is the main church of Břevnov Monastery, built in the High Baroque style on a plan of six intersecting ellipsoids. Its undulating facade carries statues of Benedictine saints by Matěj Václav Jäckel, and a tower with an onion dome stands on the north side. The interior features side altars with paintings by Petr Brandl from 1715–1719 and a main altar with a gilded statue of Saint Margaret.
The church was designed in the 18th century by architect Christoph Dientzenhofer as part of Břevnov Monastery, the oldest monastic community in Bohemia. The monastery itself was founded centuries earlier, making this church a later addition to a very ancient religious site.
The church is dedicated to Saint Adalbert and Saint Margaret of Antioch. In the predella of the late-Baroque altar of Our Lady of Benedictine Delights is a glass rococo reliquary holding the arm bone of Saint Margaret, venerated as patroness of rain and good harvests. A pilgrimage with a procession was held here every year on 14 July. The silver Gothic plenarium of Saint Margaret is kept in the vault.
The basilica is located outside the city center and is easily accessible by public transport, with tram lines serving the area directly. Visitors should remember this is an active place of worship, so opening times may vary depending on religious services and events.
The south side of the presbytery holds a late-Baroque altar of Our Lady of Benedictine Delights, and its predella contains a glass rococo reliquary with the arm bone of Saint Margaret of Antioch. She was venerated as patron of rain and good harvests, and a pilgrimage with a procession was held here every 14 July.
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