St. Vitus Cathedral at a Glance
Svaty Vit, St. Vitus Cathedral, rising from the center of the Prague Castle grounds, stands as one of the finest Gothic religious buildings in Europe, the largest church in Czechia, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. Easily spotted by its 82-meter-high spire, it impresses with massive proportions stretching 124 meters long and 60 meters wide, striking Art Nouveau stained-glass windows, and the silver tomb of Nepomuk.
In the 10th century, the Duke of Bohemia received the relics of Saint Vitus from his Saxon counterpart. To shelter them, he ordered the construction of a cathedral on the site of an earlier Romanesque rotunda, a project eventually realized by his distant descendant Charles IV in 1344. Construction spanned six centuries, drawing master builders from across international borders. While the initial plans came from the French architect Mathieu d'Arras, the south tower is the work of the German builder Bonifac Wohlmut and the Austrian architect Nicolo Pacassi. The nave and west facade were designed by the Czech architect Joseph Mocker.
The cathedral consists of two distinct sections. The older eastern section houses the choir, several chapels, and the soaring bell tower. The second, more complex part features three naves and a transept flanked by towers.
Begin your visit with the facade. Among the 14 statues adorning it, you will spot Charles IV, whose bust also appears in the triforium, the gallery created to honor royal family members, archbishops, and the cathedral's master builders. Do not miss the square chapel of Saint Wenceslas, instantly recognizable by its star-vaulted ceiling, the Coronation Chamber holding the Crown Jewels recognized as historic treasures, and the vibrant stained-glass windows crafted by renowned artists such as Alphonse Mucha. If time permits, head down to the crypt to see the tombs of the Bohemian kings.
Located in the heart of Prague Castle, where it remains the iconic landmark, visiting the cathedral requires an entrance ticket. I went early in the morning to avoid the crowds and I loved the Gothic architecture of the monument. The interior features a series of chapels with magnificent stained glass windows. Climbing the tower also costs extra, but after trekking up nearly three hundred steps, I enjoyed a sumptuous view over the castle grounds. Plan on a good hour to visit the whole thing.