One of the finest and most significant religious sites anywhere in this part of the continent, the St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Víta) is an iconic fixture of the Prague cityscape. Nestled within the complex of Prague Castle, its spires reach as high as 96.5 metres. Visitors from all over flock here to see its tombs and religious icons, not to mention the Czech crown jewels it houses.
The cathedral was one of the first structures to be built in the grounds of the castle back in the year 925. However, it grew throughout the last millennium, becoming the seat of the archbishop in 1344. The neo-Gothic church you’ll see when you visit today was not completed until 1929.
Take time to fully appreciate the Last Judgement mosaic which you’ll find at the south entrance of the cathedral, crafted incredibly from over a million fragments of stone and glass. Beneath this impressive piece of art, walk through the stone arches and into the cathedral.
The resting place of some important figures who have shaped the history of Prague, the Royal Crypt here contains the sarcophagi of Czech royals including Charles IV. St. Wenceslas, meanwhile, is buried directly beneath the chapel which bears his name.
Among the most captivating attractions within the cathedral are the crown jewels, hidden away in the Crown Chamber, which you can see from the entrance into the chapel. You’d need seven different keys to get into the chamber itself, one of which belongs to the president.
For an incredible view of Prague, climb the 287 stairs to the apex of the cathedral’s main tower. The cathedral is situated in the Prague Castle complex on the Vltava River’s west bank, and is easy to reach from the heart of the city by tram or by metro.
