The huge majestic St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague has been the most famous symbol of the capital of the Czech state for more than a thousand years. The building of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is built in the style of classical Gothic and is one of the most popular cultural and historical sights of the Czech Republic.
Where is St. Vitus Cathedral?
St. Vitus Cathedral is located in the center of Prague, at the address: Hrad III. Nádvoří. You can get to Prague Castle by tram number 22. The sought-after building can be easily found on the high tower-bell tower and the stream of tourists heading for the historic place.
The history of St. Vitus Cathedral
The Prague Cathedral of St. Vitus was built in several stages. The first building of the church was erected in 925 and dedicated to St. Vitus, part of whose relics were donated to the founder of the temple by the Czech prince Václav. In the XI century the basilica was built, and in the XIV century, in connection with the fact that the Prague bishopric received the status of archbishopric, it was decided to erect a new grandiose cathedral, symbolizing the greatness of the Czech kingdom. But because of the beginning of the Hussite wars, the construction of the temple stopped, and later stretched for centuries. Finally St. Vitus Cathedral was rebuilt in the first half of the XX century.
The Cathedral of St. Vitus was the place of the crowning of the Czech monarchs. The structure became the tomb of the royal dynasty and the archbishops of Prague. Monarchist regalia of the medieval state is also preserved here.
| | |
Features of the architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral
The modern St. Vitus Cathedral has a height of 124 meters and is the most spacious temple in the Czech Republic. In general, the architecture of the complex is subordinated to the ideas of the European Gothic and Neo-Gothic styles, but due to the fact that the construction took place over six centuries, some baroque elements are present in the interior of the temple. In accordance with the peculiarities of Gothic, the huge building does not seem heavy, but causes a sense of aspiration to heaven. At its top is a spacious observation deck, to which 300 stone steps lead. Placed on the facade, balconies and parapets, the gargoyles and chimeras are designed to frighten off their evil form with an evil spirit.
| | |
The interior of St. Vitus Cathedral
The main interior space of the building is a huge elongated hall of rectangular shape. A high arched arch supports 28 powerful columns. On the perimeter of the main room is a balcony-gallery, which includes sculptural busts of the Czech royal family. In the eastern side of the cathedral there is an altar and a royal burial vault, consisting of ground and underground parts.
| | |
A feature of the cathedral of St. Vitus is a large number of chapels - isolated rooms in the side nave. Representatives of the most noble noble families had an opportunity to pray in "family" chapels. The decoration of the rooms was also a privilege of aristocratic families.
| | |
A special splendor is the chapel of St. Wenceslas - the famous Czech prince, revered for the heavenly patron of the Czech state. In the center of the hall is a statue of Prince Wenceslas in armor and fully armed. Here is the tomb of the saint. The walls are covered with murals with scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas and mosaics made of semiprecious stones.
| | |
Particular pride is the library of the temple, which contains medieval manuscripts. The main value of the collection of books is the ancient Gospel dating back to the 11th century.
The organ of St. Vitus Cathedral is considered one of the best in the world. In the church often there are concerts of organ music, about the visit of which many lovers of spiritual art dream.
