Portal Porta Paradise - Třebíč

St. Procopius Basilica is a Romanesque-Gothic Christian church located in Třebíč, Czechia, formally Czech Republic. Constructed between 1240 and 1280 on the site of the original Virgin Mary's Chapel within the Benedictine monastery, it has been a significant landmark for centuries. In 2003, the basilica, along with the Jewish Quarter in Třebíč, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The real jewel of the basilica is the main entrance, known as the Paradise Gate, situated in the atrium on the northern side. This extraordinary structure was discovered by accident by the castle chaplain. Following the monastery’s decline, a brewery was established in the basilica at the beginning of the 15th century, and the northern vestibule was repurposed as a brewing chamber. The space was later converted for residential use, with the most recent adaptation being accommodation for the chaplain. In 1862, while attempting to hang a large painting on the south wall of his room, the chaplain inadvertently caused part of the masonry to collapse, revealing a niche concealing this rare Romanesque portal. Known as Porta Paradisi, or the Gate of Paradise, its significance is highlighted by only two such portals existing in Czechia. The other, called Porta Coeli, or the Gate of Heaven, is located near Tišnov. The intricate carvings on the portal depict a range of symbolic elements, including plants, abysses, mountains, animals, waters, and people of all nations. At the top center, an angel serves as the guardian of the basilica. The decorative theme for the portal is based on the hymn of the three youths from the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Despite being severely damaged over the centuries, the portal was restored in the 1930s by sculptor Vojtěch Sucharda. ## Keywords romanesque architecture history portal Třebíč