Introduction

This year marks 1100 years since the martyrdom and death of Saint Ludmila, the first baptised princess of Bohemia, a grandmother of Saint Wenceslas, and the earliest female patron saint of Bohemia. The development of her cult reflects the complex spiritual history of the Czech lands. The theme of Saint Ludmila is found throughout the collection of the National Library of the Czech Republic.

The exhibition presents manuscripts and printed materials that are related to her person – ranging from the earliest manuscripts with only scarce glosses to richly illuminated codices, the first printed production, and early modern Czech prints (up to 1800). The unique collection of the most valuable original documents will be presented in the Mirror Chapel of Klementinum (National Library of the Czech Republic) from 14 to 16 January 2022.