Prague Castle - St. Vitus’s Cathedral

St. Vitus’s Cathedral is the largest building within the Prague Castle. For centuries, it was the spiritual centre of the country, epitome of Czech sovereigns power and their final resting place. The original rotunda was built there before 928 and already in 932 the remains of prince Wenceslas, patron of the Czech country, were laid there to rest. On November 21, 1344, the foundation stone of a new cathedral was laid. Charles IV decided to build a Gothic style cathedral and he entrusted Matthias of Arras to design and build it. After his death, Peter Parler took over construction from 1353. The efforts to construct a magnific and dematerialised structure correspond with thinking and feeling of people in the Middle Ages. The interior of the cathedral is 124 metres long, 60 metres wide and 38 metres high. The cathedral is the largest of Prague churches and from constructional, artistic and historical point of view it is the most valuable structure. The best Czech artists participated in its decoration over six centuries and they created the unique collection of works of art comprising several styles. The early Gothic mosaic of Day of reckoning made of Czech glass according to the wish of Charles IV is the real jewel. You can find it above the Golden gate built in 1366-67 as the external ceremonial gate to the cathedral. St. Vitus’s Cathedral is the most visited Prague monument and you should not miss the visit, indeed.

Address

Praha 1, Pražský hrad

Opening hours

Admission

With Prague Welcome Card - free admission