Orzhov Basilica

Orzhov Basilica first appeared in the Guildpact expansion in 2006 as a signature land for the Orzhov Syndicate, the ecclesiastical crime syndicate of Ravnica. Designed as part of a cycle of bouncelands, the card reflects the aesthetic of the guild, combining the grandeur of a cathedral with the gloom of a necropolis. The land provides two mana of its color identity but requires the player to return a land to their hand, balancing its efficiency with a tempo cost that highlights the guild's demanding and taxing nature.

The Commander 2018 iteration features the evocative artwork of John Avon, a veteran illustrator renowned for his lush and atmospheric landscape designs within the game. Avon’s work on this card emphasizes the towering, gothic architectural style synonymous with the Orzhov, utilizing heavy shadows and monumental structures to create a sense of imposing authority. This version remains a staple in multiplayer Commander formats due to its utility in generating mana advantage and triggering land-fall abilities.