How to Enjoy St. Vitus' Cathedral, Prague
St. Vitus’ Cathedral is considered to be one of Prague’s most distinctive landmarks and is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Although the beginnings of the church can be traced to the early 10th century, it wasn’t completed until the 20th century. Today, visitors are treated to spectacular stained glass windows, mosaics and architectural elements such as gargoyles and flying buttresses.
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Instructions
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Visit the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.Although known today as the “Good King” in the popular Christmas carol, St. Wenceslas was also Prince of Bohemia. In 925 AD he founded the church of St. Vitus on the site where the cathedral now stands, only to be killed by his brother Boleslav in 929 AD. This small chapel is covered with Gothic frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible, as well as scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas. It also holds the tomb of St. Wenceslas, which contains his remains. The golden steeple in one corner of the chapel once held wine and wafers for Holy Communion.
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View the Last Judgment mosaic.Located above the cathedral’s south portal, which used to serve as the main entrance to the cathedral, you will find the Last Judgment mosaic. Constructed of 1 million pieces of stone and glass, this 14th-century mosaic was made by Italian artists in a Bohemian factory. The scene depicts Christ in his glory surrounded by angels.
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Climb the bell tower.Home to Zikmund, the biggest bell in the Czech Republic, the bell tower at St. Vitus Cathedral rises high above the main structure and offers some beautiful views of the city. The tower is on the southern side of the cathedral and is not for the faint of heart. To reach the top of the tower you must climb 287 steps.
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Explore the Royal Crypt. On the south side of the nave, next to the Chapel of the Holy Rood, you will find stairs leading down to the Royal Crypt. There you will find tombs containing the remains of Charles IV, his four wives, six Premyslid rulers, Prague archbishop Jan Ocko of Vlasim, as well as the silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk. During your visit you can also see evidence of early church construction.
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Tips & Warnings
Admission to the cathedral is free of charge.
To avoid crowds, plan your visit during the week and get there early.
The cathedral is open daily from 9-5, April-October and daily 9-4, November-March.
Access to the bell tower is only permitted during good weather.
Steps to the crypt and bell tower are narrow and can be slick. Rubber-soled shoes are suggested.
Although the cathedral houses the Bohemian Coronation Jewels, they are not viewable by the public.
