description St. Vitus Cathedral Overview
St. Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral situated within the Prague Castle complex in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1344, it stands as the largest and most significant Gothic religious structure in the country. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and contains the tombs of numerous Holy Roman Emperors and Bohemian kings.
insights Ranking position
St. Vitus Cathedral ranks #325 of 562 in the Monument ranking, behind Carthage Ruins, ahead of Serpent Mound.
help St. Vitus Cathedral FAQ
Why did St. Vitus Cathedral take nearly 600 years to complete?
Construction began under Charles IV in 1344 but was repeatedly interrupted by war, religious conflict and funding problems. The cathedral was formally completed in 1929 with substantial neo-Gothic work.
Is St. Vitus Cathedral inside Prague Castle?
Yes. The cathedral stands within the Prague Castle complex and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Prague.
Whose tombs can visitors see in St. Vitus Cathedral?
The cathedral contains the tomb of Saint Wenceslas and the royal mausoleum of Czech rulers. Charles IV is among the monarchs associated with the cathedral's royal burial tradition.
What is special about the St. Wenceslas Chapel?
The chapel surrounds the saint's tomb and is decorated with semi-precious stones and 14th-century paintings. A locked doorway in the chapel leads toward the chamber where the Czech Crown Jewels are kept.
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