St. Vitus Cathedral

(AKA Katedrála Sv. Víta)

St. Vitus Cathedral is an architectural marvel and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this historic city. It is one of the most prominent and significant religious landmarks in Prague and holds great cultural and historical importance.

The cathedral’s construction began in the 14th century and spanned several centuries, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. This fusion of styles gives St. Vitus Cathedral its distinctive and breathtaking appearance.

As you approach the cathedral, you’ll be immediately captivated by its towering spires and intricate stone carvings. The exterior is adorned with countless statues, gargoyles, and reliefs, each telling a story and adding to the overall grandeur of the structure.

Upon entering the cathedral, you’ll be awestruck by its vastness and the magnificence of its interior. The soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and meticulously crafted details create an atmosphere of wonder and spirituality. The stained glass windows, in particular, are a sight to behold, casting vibrant colors and bathing the interior in a mesmerizing glow.

One of the highlights of St. Vitus Cathedral is the breathtaking St. Wenceslas Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of Bohemia. It is adorned with precious materials, including gold and jewels, and features stunning frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas. This chapel is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic art in Europe.

Another notable feature of the cathedral is the ornate and intricate St. Vitus Cathedral Treasury, which houses a collection of religious artifacts and precious relics, including the Czech Crown Jewels. The treasury is open to the public only once every eight years.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a place of awe-inspiring beauty, St. Vitus Cathedral is an absolute must-visit destination in Prague. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual ambiance combine to create an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in the Czech Republic.

Visit Notes

We happened to be visiting on a Sunday, so we had to wait until noon to get into the cathedral and by then all the other tourists were out of bed and standing in line. The line moved quickly though and soon we were in. I felt a bit like cattle on a conveyor belt once inside. The cathedral itself is stunning, but my enjoyment was tempered by the sheer number of bodies around me. The stained glass in the cathedral is extraordinary, so at least while you’re looking at that you can kind of forget about the crowds.

We booked a skip-the-line ticket (similar to this one) with GetYourGuide.com which included entry into several areas of the Prague Castle complex, including the cathedral. It was very easy and convenient. There is a “free” part of the cathedral that you can visit with no ticket. This means you can walk into the cathedral but can’t progress past the turnstiles. You’d be able to get a feel for the place but wouldn’t be able to see most of the cathedral up close. There is more information about this on their website.