St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral (Saint Vitus' Cathedral) is a Catholic church located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Prague and the largest and most significant church in the Czech Republic. Its full name is the Cathedral of St. Vitus, St. Wenceslaus and St. Adalbert. The cathedral is situated within Prague Castle and is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, housing the tombs of many Bohemian kings.

Several highlights of a visit to St. Vitus Cathedral include the 20th-century stained glass windows, the tomb of St. John, and the Chapel of St. Wenceslaus. As you enter the cathedral, the vibrant stained glass on the left is the work of the famous Prague painter Mucha. St. John's Tomb, located behind the main altar, is elaborately decorated with pure silver and is truly magnificent (St. John was a key figure in the Counter-Reformation in 1736). The Chapel of St. Wenceslaus, situated behind St. John's Tomb, is resplendent and predominantly gold in color, even more luxurious than the silver-adorned St. John’s Tomb. Its frescoes and the Holy Lance spire are richly gilded, making it an outstanding work of art.

From the exterior, the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral features many classic architectural elements, such as the ornately decorated arches and flying buttresses above the entrance. St. Vitus Cathedral has had a profound influence on the development of Late Gothic style in Central Europe.

Saint Vitus' Cathedral

Reason to visit: The largest and most important church in the Czech Republic

Continent: Europe

Country/Region: Czech Republic

Province/State: Prague

City: Prague