Czech Republic: Prague - Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle
  • Night Views
  • Around the Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Exterior
  • Views from the Top
  • Gargoyles
  • Interior
  • Stained Glass
  • Tomb of St. John Nepomuk
  • St. Wenceslas Chapel

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Prague Castle, Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge

Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague and is the largest ancient castle in the world.

Constructed in the 9th century, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa.  The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence.

Night Views
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Around the Castle
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One of the castle entrances with guards

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St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the most important and the largest church in Prague. It is situated at the Prague Castle and it is a burial place of former Czech Kings. The Czech Crown Jewels and a large treasure are kept there. St. Vitus Cathedral has two parts: the Gothic eastern tract with the main tower, built in the 14 th and 15 th century, and the western neo-Gothic part with two spires, built in the 19 th century and at the turn of the 20 th century.

The southern lookout tower, 97 meters high, has a Renaissance gallery 56 meters above the ground. It was built in the 14 th century, but not finished. Bonifac Wohlmut and Hans Tirol finished it between 1560 and 1562. It was given a Baroque cupola in 1770 by Pacassi. The tower is also called “the Big Bell Tower“ because of the biggest Prague bell Sigismund hanging here. It weights 18 tons, it was made in 1549 by Tomas Jaros and it is placed in the tower since the 16 th century to the present time.

Exterior
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Over the main entrance to the church you will notice modern sculptures of the architects who completed the chapel in the 1800's.

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Views from the Top
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Gargoyles
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Interior
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Stained Glass
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Tomb of St. John Nepomuk: Crafted from solid silver in  1736, this elaborate tomb honors the saint who became the focus of a Counter Reformation cult. 
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St. Wenceslas Chapel: The most valuable part of the St. Vitus Cathedral is the St. Wenceslas Chapel. It was made above the grave of St. Wenceslas by Matthias of Arras and later by Petr Parler. The chapel was consecrated in 1372. The interior of the chapel is a peerless place, decorated with gemstones and precious wall paintings. A door in the corner leads to the Crown Chamber, where the Czech Crown Jewels are kept.  This gold steeple held the wafers and wine for Holy Communion.
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