Things to Do in St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral located within the Prague Castle complex in the Czech Republic. It is the largest and most important church in the country and is dedicated to Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr and patron saint of dancers, actors, and circus performers. The construction of the cathedral began in 1344, but it was not completed until 1929. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and ornate interior.




The cathedral is home to several valuable works of art, including the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, the Baroque silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, and the Adalbert cross. The cathedral also houses the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, which contains the tomb of the Bohemian king and patron saint, as well as the crown jewels of the Czech Republic.


Visitors to the cathedral can take a guided tour or attend a religious service. The cathedral also hosts regular concerts and events, including organ recitals and classical music concerts. The cathedral is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring its various nooks and crannies. St. Vitus Cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is an essential part of any visit to Prague Castle.

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The stained-glass windows

The cathedral features some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in the world, with intricate designs and vibrant colours.

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The Rose Window

This stunning circular window, located in the south transept of the cathedral, is made up of five stained-glass panels depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.

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The Chapel of St. Wenceslas

This chapel is home to the tomb of the Bohemian king and patron saint, St. Wenceslas, as well as the crown jewels of the Czech Republic.

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The Golden Portal

This ornate entrance to the cathedral features intricate carvings and sculptures, including a depiction of the Last Judgment.

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The Vladislav Hall

This large hall, located on the second floor of the cathedral, is used for state ceremonies and is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from Czech history.

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The Black Madonna

This statue of the Virgin Mary is believed to have healing powers and is one of the most important religious artifacts in the Czech Republic.

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History of St. Vitus Cathedral

History of St. Vitus Cathedral
  • The cathedral was founded in 1344 by King Charles IV, who wanted to build a grand church to house the relics of St. Vitus, a Christian martyr.
  • Construction of the cathedral was slow, and it was not until the late 14th century that the choir and transept were completed.
  • The cathedral suffered damage during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and was later restored in the Gothic style.
  • In the 16th century, the cathedral underwent major renovations, including the addition of a new nave and the reconstruction of the choir and transept.
  • During the reign of Emperor Rudolf II in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the cathedral was once again renovated and adorned with Baroque decorations.
  • The cathedral was damaged during World War II, but extensive restoration work was carried out in the decades that followed.
  • St. Vitus Cathedral was finally completed in 1929, over 500 years after construction first began.
  • Today, St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in the Czech Republic and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Know Before You Go to St. Vitus Cathedral

Essential Informations
Best Time to Visit
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Location: St. Vitus Cathedral is located within the Prague Castle complex in the Hradčany district of Prague.

Opening Hours: The cathedral is open to visitors daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, except during religious services.

Timings: Visitors can explore the cathedral at their own pace, although guided tours and audio guides are also available on-site.

How to reach: To reach the cathedral, visitors can use public transportation or walk from the city centre. The nearest metro station is Malostranska, and tram numbers 22, 23 and 91 stop nearby.

Visiting Tips: It is recommended to dress modestly and respect the religious nature of the site. Visitors should also be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season and consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Facts of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle

  • St. Vitus Cathedral is located within the Prague Castle complex, which is situated in the heart of the city of Prague.
  • The cathedral is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic and is dedicated to Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr and patron saint of dancers, actors, and circus performers.
  • The construction of the cathedral began in 1344 but was not completed until 1929.
  • The cathedral is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
  • St. Vitus Cathedral is home to several valuable works of art, including the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, the Baroque silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, and the Adalbert cross.
  • The cathedral also houses the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, which contains the tomb of the Bohemian king and patron saint, as well as the crown jewels of the Czech Republic.
  • Visitors to the cathedral can take a guided tour or attend a religious service.
  • The cathedral hosts regular concerts and events, including organ recitals and classical music concerts.
  • The cathedral is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring its various nooks and crannies.
  • The exterior of the cathedral features several notable architectural features, including flying buttresses, spires, and gargoyles.
  • St. Vitus Cathedral is an essential part of any visit to Prague Castle and is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

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