Spiritual Center of the Czech Republic:
St. Vitus Cathedral is located on the Prague Castle grounds. The most important church in the Czech Republic, as well as the largest, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. This grand, Roman Catholic, Gothic cathedral is a Prague must-see sight - anyone who appreciates the marvels of architecture will appreciate this cathedral's stupefying size and incredible detail.
History of St. Vitus Cathedral:
The building of St. Vitus Cathedral began in the 14th century and continued into the first half of the 20th century. While the original architects, Mathiew d'Arras and Petr Parler, were responsible for its Gothic appearance, other artists and architects added touches in other styles. For example, Alfons Mucha was responsible for a set of stained glass windows in one of St. Vitus' chapels, a fine example of Mucha's art in Prague.
Treasures of St. Vitus Cathedral:
St. Vitus cathedral is home to important historic and artistic treasures. The crown jewels, safeguarded by seven locks above the the St. Wenceslas Chapel, are housed here. The silver funerary monument to St. John of Nepomuk, decorated with angels and flowers, is a part of the tour around the cathedral. The wooden carving of Christ on the Cross is an important example of modern art.
Chapels of St. Vitus Cathedral:
As visitors make their way around St. Vitus Cathedral, they will notice how each chapel is decorated with unique details, symbols of the person for whom the chapel was named, and priceless historic artifacts. The most impressive of all the chapels in the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, with walls encrusted with semi-precious stones and frescoes.
How to See St. Vitus Cathedral:
Visitors should purchase tickets to Prague Castle early and strive to see St. Vitus Cathedral upon entering the castle complex. Lines to see the cathedral form quickly, and thick crowds can make seeing the cathedral unpleasant. Visitors are permitted to walk the length and perimeter of the cathedral and to peer into the St. Wenceslas Chapel, but the crown jewels are not on display. The audio tour, available to rent at the ticket booth in the castle, gives thorough descriptions of each detail of the cathedral.
