St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest church in the Czech Republic and the principal Gothic cathedral within Prague Castle, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. Construction was begun in 1344 and, after several long pauses, the cathedral was substantially completed in 1929, combining medieval Gothic and later completion works.

Notable interior features include the richly decorated St Wenceslas Chapel, royal tombs and the cathedral treasury with historic regalia. The cathedral’s towers and high windows dominate the skyline of the castle hill and offer views across Prague from elevated walkways.

Built as the coronation and burial church for Bohemian rulers, St. Vitus holds important national and religious functions and is open to visitors as part of the Prague Castle complex, with some areas and tower access subject to separate tickets or restricted opening times.

• Construction dates: Construction began in 1344 under the patronage of Charles IV and the Gothic structure was substantially completed only in 1929, combining medieval and later architectural phases.
• Function and visitor access: Serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and contains the tombs of Bohemian kings; access to towers and certain chapels may be subject to ticketing and opening hours within Prague Castle grounds.

What to See #

• St Wenceslas Chapel: The St Wenceslas Chapel, an ornate Gothic chapel within the cathedral that houses medieval relics and rich decorative stonework and sculptures.
• Royal tombs and mausoleum: The Royal Mausoleum and tombs of Bohemian kings and princes, where several rulers of Czech lands are entombed within the cathedral precincts.
• Towers and façade: The cathedral towers and western façade, with construction phases spanning from the 14th to the early 20th century and offering views across Prague from the castle hill.