Prague Castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. This complex is the largest of its kind in the world, and people visit to marvel at the site. Inside the castle complex lies St. Vitus Cathedral, the biggest cathedral in the Czech Republic and a wonder of Gothic architecture.
Exterior view of St. Vitus Cathedral located in Prague, Czech Republic.
The St. Vitus Cathedral is named after the saint, St. Vitus, and was commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. Its construction began in the mid-13th century and came to a grinding halt in the early 1400s due to ongoing wars. It was finally completed in 1929 but would continue to be remodeled even after this date.
In both the exterior and interior of the building, one can see all Gothic architecture's trademarks. The whole of the cathedral embodies the grand, lofty look that characterizes the style and spires aid in giving it additional height. Flying buttresses, which act as support beams and allow for a more stable structure, are also utilized. Ornate stone detailing, called tracery, can be found throughout the exterior.
These inclined supports are called flying buttresses are found on the St. Vitus Cathedral.
Similar flying buttresses can be seen on this building.
Spires decorate the top of the St. Vitus Cathedral, giving it additional height.
Similar spires can be seen on this building.
The inside of St. Vitus Cathedral also exhibits the Gothic style's hallmarks, and it is, in a word, stunning. Natural light is allowed to flood in through stained glass windows, some of which were designed by Art Nouveau artists. The stained glass in the northern part of the cathedral, created by Alphonse Mucha, is particularly remarkable in its vivid colors. It depicts portraits of saints and episodes from their lives. The same intricate tracery utilized on the exterior of the building can also be found lining the interior.
Interior of the St. Vitus Cathedral, showcasing its use of pointed archways, stained glass, and high ceilings.
Stained glass window desgined by Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.
Tracery can be seen around this stained glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral.
These large windows are possible due to the pointed arches that line the inside of the building, as they provide additional support and negate the need for a solid wall. This type of arch had been utilized by different cultures due to their strength and was used by Gothic architects as a way to build tall, airy structures. Additional stability is given by the ribbed vaulting on the ceiling.
The ribbed vaulting that can be seen on the ceiling here provides additional support for the St. Vitus Cathedral’s roof.
The Bohemian Crown Jewels, which includes the Wenceslas Crown and the Royal Sceptre, are kept in the St. Vitus Cathedral.
But the St. Vitus Cathedral holds more cultural significance than just its beautiful appearance. It also contains a chapel that features the tomb of St. Wenceslas. Beyond the chapel is the Crown Chamber, where the Bohemian Crown Jewels, like the Wenceslas Crown and the Royal Sceptre, are kept under heavy surveillance. The Royal Mausoleum lies under the cathedral and contains the tombs of past emperors and empresses.
Regular services are still held inside the cathedral, and free tours are available as well as paid ones. Should you ever visit historic Prague Castle, stepping inside the St. Vitus Cathedral to view the impressive architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a piece of Czech culture is a necessity.
Written by Erin Schachtner.