The largest and most significant cathedral in the Czech Republic is Saint Vitus’ Cathedral. This structure, which is part of the larger Prague Castle complex, is the resting place of kings and emperors and has enormous cultural significance. It is one of Europe’s most important artistic treasures, considered among the finest creations of Gothic architecture.
The present structure is the latest of three cathedrals at this location. The earliest one was begun in 925 on the orders of Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia, who had obtained the arm of Saint Vitus from Emperor Henry I and wanted to build a cathedral around it. The fact that the name Saint Vitus is similar to Svantevit, the name of the pre-Christian god of the local culture, has led to speculation that the saint’s arm was obtained and the cathedral named for it in an attempt to establish a link between the old faith and the new one.
In 1060, the bishopric of Prague was established and it was decided that a larger cathedral was needed. Started on the orders of Prince Spytihnev II, this building reflected the growing importance of Saint Vitus, who had become the patron saint of the Czech royal family. The bishop’s residence was built near the cathedral, and there were remodeling efforts lasting into the 12th century.
The present cathedral was started in 1344 to commemorate the elevation of the Prague bishopric to an archbishopric. By this time, King Wenceslaus I had acquired sainthood and gained significance in the local folklore. A chapel containing his relics was incorporated into the cathedral. It was also decided that the cathedral would honor Saint Adalbert, a 10th-century missionary martyred while trying to convert the Baltic Prussians to Christianity. The complex was called the St. Vitus, St Wenceslaus and St. Adalbert Cathedral.
The structure’s first architect was the Frenchman, Matthias of Arras, who had designed the papal palace at Avignon. When Matthias died in 1352, the job was given to architect Peter Parler. It was Parler who built the St. Wenceslaus Chapel, a lavish construction featuring walls set with semi-precious stones and an outstanding collection of paintings. This chapel adjoined the Crown Chamber where the Czech Crown Jewels were placed and remain today.
The cathedral stayed in a state of partial completion for centuries. In 1844, an organization called the Union for the Completion of the Cathedral of Saint Vitus in Prague hired architect Josef Kranner to make repairs. In 1873, Kranner died and was replaced by architect Josef Mocker. Upon his death, the cathedral got its final architect, Kamil Hilbert.
Saint Vitus’ Cathedral was officially declared finished in 1929, just in time for the St. Wenceslas Jubilee.
Today the cathedral remains an attraction for travelers. The Bell Tower has the largest bell in the Czech Republic, and the golden Portal has a famous mosaic of the Last Judgment. Favorite spots inside the cathedral include the Chapel of John Nepomuk, the Triforium, the Mausoleum and Royal Crypt and the Saint Wenceslas Chapel.