The exquisite spires of St. Vitus Cathedral soaring over Prague have become the most recognizable symbol of the city. This huge, elaborately decorated building literally crowns Prague Castle, looking more impressive than any of its royal residences. It is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the whole world.
History
For many centuries, St. Vitus Cathedral has been the spiritual symbol of the Czech nation and the venue for coronation of Bohemian rulers. Construction of the building that we see today lasted 600 years, even though the site itself dates back to 929 AD. In those early days, a romanesque rotunda stood here, founded by Wenceslaus I. He came into possession of a holy relic – the arm of St. Vitus, which explains the name of the Cathedral.
Located in the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle, the present-day magnificent structure features Neo-Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance elements. It was King Charles IV, the most renowned of all Czech rulers, who commissioned the grand reconstruction project of St. Vitus in 1344. At first, French master Mathieu d'Arras was in charge of the works, and after his death, a young and talented sculptor Peter Parler took over. However, up until 1929 – the year of final consecration – many other great architects contributed to the design.
Highlights
St. Vitus Cathedral is enormous and astonishing. It is impossible to take in all of this beauty in one visit - simply try to feel its inspiring atmosphere and appreciate at least some of the details. One of the most impressive features of the façade is the Golden Gate with a mosaic depicting the Last Judgement. Back in the Middle Ages, Bohemian kings would enter through this portal on the day of their coronation.
The interior fascinates even more. Admire the tall vaults with diagonal ribs, the fantastic stained-glass windows - one of them was created by the famous Czech painter Alphonse Mucha, wood-carved statues and numerous artefacts. Among the highlights is the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, exquisitely decorated with silver.
Both Charles IV and Saint Wenceslas – two most illustrious figures of the Czech history - have their final resting places in St. Vitus. The Chapel of St. Wenceslas adorned with semi-precious stones and frescoes is an absolute stunner. The Coronation Chamber of the Cathedral still keeps the Bohemian crown jewels, and you can see their replicas if you visit the exhibition ‘Story of Prague Castle’.
