St Vitus CathedralSituated within the Castle Complex, the spires of St Vitus
Cathedral, an elegant but domineering French Gothic structure, soar
above the ramparts. It is the county's largest church containing
numerous side chapels, frescoes, tombstones and beautiful stained
glass windows and it literally sparkles with all the finery inside.
The most ornate chapel contains the tomb of St Wenceslas, the 'Good
King Wenceslas' of the Christmas carol, which has become something
of a pilgrimage site. The Coronation Chamber houses the Bohemian
Crown Jewels and the Crypt is where most of the Kings and Queens of
Bohemia have their final place of rest. The southern entrance to
the cathedral, the Golden Gate, is decorated with a richly gilded
coloured mosaic representing the Last Judgement, dated from 1370,
and it is one of the artistic treasures found in the Castle
District. It is possible to climb the 287 steps of the tower for
magnificent views over the city. Address: Castle District (Hradèany) Transportation: Tram 22 or 23 to Prazsky Hrad Opening Time: Daily 9am to 5pm (April to October), 9am to 4pm
(November to March) Admission: Entrance is free. A ticket for the crypt and main altar
is 100 Kc |