One of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe, St. Vitus Cathedral (full name – Cathedral of St. Vitus, Wenceslas and Vojtek) is visible from any point in Prague. It is so unique and inimitable that all other Gothic landmarks pale in comparison. St. Vitus Cathedral is also called the pearl of Prague Castle. It is impossible for a tourist to come to Prague and not visit this temple. St. Vitus Cathedral destroys common stereotypes and proves that Gothic not only makes a person feel his weakness, but also inspires him and gives him strength.
The cathedral is the embodiment of Czech culture and history. Behind its walls are the tombs of kings, regalia necessary for consecration, and precious things confirming state power. The residence of the Archbishop of Prague is located here.
The construction of the temple began in 1344 on the foundations of a church (rotunda) from the 10th century. In the 11th century, the rotunda was transformed into a basilica, and in the 14th century, John of Luxembourg decided to build a grand cathedral in this place. This work was hampered by various historical events, and many architects led the work. The construction process was very long and was completed only in 1929!
The height of the temple, in particular the main tower, is 124 meters, and the large southern tower is 96.5 meters. On the western side there are two twin towers, each of which is 82 meters high, and between them there are rose windows with a diameter of 10 meters.
Everything is decorated with reliefs and statues. The western facade is guarded by chimeras and gargoyles.
In the southern part of the temple is the "Golden Gate" - the main three-arched entrance of the high priests, decorated with a mosaic of the "Last Judgment".
On the same side is the bell tower. Its height is 96.5 meters. The main bell weighs 15 tons. The tower is decorated with an amazing clock, created in 1597, which has two dials: hour and minute.
You can climb up the southern tower to the observation area, for which you will have to overcome 298 steps on a spiral staircase. From there you will see the most beautiful panorama of Prague.
The interior of St. Vitus Cathedral makes a huge impression: a 30-meter vault, an exquisite pulpit, carved details, 28 cylindrical columns, chapels, beautiful stained glass windows from which light penetrates into the temple.
Geometrically, the temple from the inside repeats the shape of a Latin cross of impressive dimensions (124m x 60m). The eastern part of the church is defined by the main altar.
St. Vitus Cathedral has one of the best organs in Europe, and organ concerts are held there.
The library of the cathedral deserves special attention - it contains a serious collection of works from the Middle Ages.
The stained glass windows make a wonderful impression. It is as if heavenly light penetrates through them into the church.
These stained glass windows were created over the course of 100 years. The paintings use motifs from the lives of saints and great martyrs associated with the Czech Republic.
A special place in the temple is occupied by the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. It is located in the southern apse. The remains of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech lands, are kept here. The stone crypt stands on a pedestal decorated with gold and precious stones.
Above the Chapel of St. Wenceslas is the hall of initiation into kings, where the regalia necessary for this procedure are kept.
The interior of the temple is divided into two parts by a triforium. This gallery balcony is located between the earthly and heavenly parts. The triforium contains busts of the temple's builders, representatives of royal dynasties and archbishops.
In front of the altar from the 19th century is a white marble crypt. Its roof is decorated with relief images of Ferdinand I, his wife and son. This is the above-ground part of the mausoleum - below is the royal crypt.
The entrance to the cathedral is open in the winter season - until 15:40, in the summer season - until 16:40. Entrance on Sundays - from 12:00, on other days - from 09:00.
Viewing the temple from the outside is free. To enter, you will need to buy a ticket. The price is 250-350 crowns depending on the route. Climbing to the observation deck - 150 crowns. Discounts are provided for children, students and pensioners.
Detailed and complete information can be found on the official website of St. Vitus Cathedral: www. katedralasvatehovita.cz /ru.
Address of St. Vitus Cathedral: III. nádvoří 48/2, Praha 1.
To get there, you need to go to Prague Castle, so I will give you the same advice as I gave for Prague Castle:
To get to St. Vitus Cathedral, it is better to take tram №22 (to the stop Pražský hrad - option 1) and after visiting it, go down the 230-meter-long ancient staircase of the castle to the metro line A (station Malostranská).
Option 1 (the most direct and simple) - take the tram №22 to the stop Prague Castle, turn left (cross the road) and follow the street U Prašného mostu , cross the Powder Bridge and in fifteen minutes you will find yourself at the fountain of the second courtyard of Prague Castle;
Option 2 (easy walk uphill) - take tram №22 to stop Pohořelec (cross the road), pass < font face="arial">Loretánské náměstí, go down Loretánská street and in 10 minutes you will find yourself at entrance to the first courtyard of Prague Castle;
Option 3 (more difficult, as you have to go uphill, but there is a beautiful view of the roofs of the Lesser Town houses) - by tram №22 to the stop Malostranské náměstí. From here Nerudova Street begins. Go to Zamkova Street, follow it and you will come out on Tunovska Street. Turn left, walk about 50 meters to the new staircase, enjoy the beautiful roofs of the Lesser Town houses and go up to Hradcany Square, to the entrance to Prague Castle;
Option 4 (short climb with a beautiful view) - take the A metro line to the Malostranská stop, walk about 100 meters in the direction of the tram, turn left onto the old staircase of the castle, pass the vineyards of St. Wenceslas to the "Na opiši" gate of Prague Castle. Here, from the observation deck, there is a wonderful view of the Vltava River;
Option 5 (only in summer) - take tram №22 to the stop Královský letohrádek (cross the road). Then from the Queen Anne Summer Palace, pass the Royal Garden and in 15-20 minutes you will find yourself at the Prague Castle Higher Riding School.
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