St. Vitus Cathedral

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Explore Inside St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral located within the Prague Castle complex in the Czech Republic. It is the largest and most important church in the country and is dedicated to Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr and patron saint of dancers, actors, and circus performers. The construction of the cathedral began in 1344, but it was not completed until 1929. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and ornate interior.

The cathedral is home to several valuable works of art, including the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, the Baroque silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, and the Adalbert cross. The cathedral also houses the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, which contains the tomb of the Bohemian king and patron saint, as well as the crown jewels of the Czech Republic.

Visitors to the cathedral can take a guided tour or attend a religious service. The cathedral also hosts regular concerts and events, including organ recitals and classical music concerts. The cathedral is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring its various nooks and crannies. St. Vitus Cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is an essential part of any visit to Prague Castle.

Stained Glass Windows in St. Vitus Cathedral

Witness The Stained Glass Windows

St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is filled with some of the finest pieces of art of Europe and the Stained Glass Windows are one of them. The Stained Glass Window is a kaleidoscopic art piece that fills the indoors with vibrant hues and is certainly a different feeling altogether. It depicts biblical scenes and these massive windows with intense colors, throws colors to every corner of this Gothic structure, making it even more appealing.

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See The Amazing Rose Window

This stunning circular window, located in the south transept of the cathedral, is made up of five stained-glass panels depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.

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St. Wenceslas Chapel at St. Vitus Cathedral

Discover The St. Wenceslas Chapel

St. Wenceslas Chapel is the cult center and tomb of the patron saint of the Czech Republic in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague. It is a homage to the Bohemian King, St. Wenceslas who was assassinated in 935 AD by his own brother, Boleslav. This masterpiece also holds the crown jewels of the Czech Republic and every coronation that started in this chapel. Get ready to be amazed by the excellent craftsmanship and the intricate woodwork of this sanctuary which is also adorned with precious gemstones.

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Explore The Golden Portal

Get ready to be awestruck by the masterpiece built by Peter Parler as you enter through the beautiful Golden Portal. Also known as the Golden gate, kings and queens used to enter through this portal for coronation ceremonies and other festivities. This embellished entrance inside St. Vitus Cathedral is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures which also includes a golden mosaic of Last Judgement depicted on it. You will get to see some authentic craftsmanship that will leave you speechless and will give you a feeling of royalty as you pass through it.

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Crown Jewels Chamber at St. Vitus Cathedral

Stroll Around The Crown Jewels Chamber

Inside St. Vitus Cathedral there is a separate beautifully designed chamber for its precious Crown Jewels that are the symbols of Czech sovereignty. These exquisite Bohemian Crown Jewels include St. Wenceslas Crown, the Royal Sceptre, the Royal Apple, the Coronation Cloak, and other pieces of attire that are considered priceless because of their symbolic importance and cultural value. These jewels are kept with utmost safety and are displayed publicly only on exceptional occasions once every five years with the special permission of the President.

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See The Tomb of St. Vitus

St. Vitus Cathedral was named after the patron saint of Bohemia, St. Vitus, and is one of the most visited attractions of St. Vitus Cathedral. He was a martyr who died at an early age of 13 because of the torture by the Roman Emperor who forced him to give up his faith and start believing in the Emperor’s Gods and idols. St. Vitus Cathedral is an example of Gothic architecture and is a masterpiece that millions of people come to visit every year.

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Great South Tower at St. Vitus Cathedral

Take The Great South Tower Experience

As the name suggests, the Great South Tower is nearly a 100 metres high tower and it is the largest tower of St. Vitus, constructed by the architect Peter Parler at the end of the 14th century. This tower has more than 280 steps and once you reach the top, it offers a breathtaking view of Prague, making it absolutely worth the effort. The tower offers a panoramic view of Prague and serves as a great spot to take pictures that will leave you spellbound.

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Exploring The Giant Bell

The Giant bell is in the Great South Tower and is undoubtedly the largest bell in the history of Czech. This colossal bell, named Sigismund was made by Tomáš Jaroš in 1549 and weighs around 15 tons. The sound of this bell, considered as the heartbeat of St. Vitus Cathedral is a national pride of Czechs. The sound of the bell has a strong power of 120 decibels and can be compared to the sound of a fighter aircraft.

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Visit The Royal Mausoleum

The Royal Marble Mausoleum is where the Czech Kings and Queens were buried and is right in front of the main altar inside St. Vitus Cathedral. The mausoleum has the tombstones of these great rulers who changed the nation’s history like the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II, Anna of Bohemia and Ferdinand I of Austria. You can pay homage to them as well as admire the beauty of the tombs, adorned with exquisite stone carvings that are a reminder of the monarchy’s legacy.

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History of St. Vitus Cathedral

The cathedral was founded in 1344 by King Charles IV, who wanted to build a grand church to house the relics of St. Vitus, a Christian martyr.
Construction of the cathedral was slow, and it was not until the late 14th century that the choir and transept were completed.
The cathedral suffered damage during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and was later restored in the Gothic style.
In the 16th century, the cathedral underwent major renovations, including the addition of a new nave and the reconstruction of the choir and transept.
During the reign of Emperor Rudolf II in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the cathedral was once again renovated and adorned with Baroque decorations.
The cathedral was damaged during World War II, but extensive restoration work was carried out in the decades that followed.
St. Vitus Cathedral was finally completed in 1929, over 500 years after construction first began.
Today, St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in the Czech Republic and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

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Know Before You Go to St. Vitus Cathedral

Essential Informations

Best Time to Visit

Location: St. Vitus Cathedral is located within the Prague Castle complex in the Hradčany district of Prague.

Opening Hours: The cathedral is open to visitors daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, except during religious services.

Visiting Tips: It is recommended to dress modestly and respect the religious nature of the site. Visitors should also be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season and consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

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To avoid crowds and long lines, it is recommended to visit the cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially during peak tourist season (June-August). Additionally, visiting during the off-season (October-April) can offer a more peaceful and relaxed experience, although some areas of the cathedral may be closed during this time for maintenance.

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Facts About St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral is located within the Prague Castle complex, which is situated in the heart of the city of Prague.
The cathedral is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic and is dedicated to Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr and patron saint of dancers, actors, and circus performers.
The construction of the cathedral began in 1344 but was not completed until 1929.
The cathedral is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
St. Vitus Cathedral is home to several valuable works of art, including the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, the Baroque silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, and the Adalbert cross.
The cathedral also houses the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, which contains the tomb of the Bohemian king and patron saint, as well as the crown jewels of the Czech Republic.
Visitors to the cathedral can take a guided tour or attend a religious service.
The cathedral hosts regular concerts and events, including organ recitals and classical music concerts.
The cathedral is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring its various nooks and crannies.
The exterior of the cathedral features several notable architectural features, including flying buttresses, spires, and gargoyles.
St. Vitus Cathedral is an essential part of any visit to Prague Castle and is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

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FAQ's

What is the dress code for visiting St. Vitus Cathedral?

Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and cover their shoulders and knees. It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs to climb.

Are there guided tours available of St. Vitus Cathedral?

Yes, guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the history and architecture of the cathedral. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides and typically last around 60-90 minutes.

Can visitors attend religious services at St. Vitus Cathedral?

Yes, regular religious services are held at the cathedral, including Mass, Vespers, and Evensong. Visitors are welcome to attend these services but should be respectful of the religious nature of the events.

Is photography allowed inside St. Vitus Cathedral?

Photography is allowed inside the cathedral, but visitors are asked to be respectful of other visitors and not to use flash photography. Tripods are not allowed inside the cathedral.

Is there an admission fee to enter St. Vitus Cathedral?

Yes, there is an admission fee to enter St. Vitus Cathedral, which includes access to the cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the St. George Basilica, and other parts of the Prague Castle complex. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the entrance to the castle complex.