St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague

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St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague (must see)

Rising above the Vltava River from within the grounds of Prague Castle, Saint Vitus Cathedral is hailed as a pinnacle of Gothic architectire and a powerful emblem of Bohemian identity. For generations, it has been the final resting place of kings and emperors, and its very presence resonates with centuries of history. But even if you're not drawn in by royal lineages or historic timelines, the striking façade, sweeping nave, and exquisite stained glass stir something deeper—a quiet sense of awe and reverence that transcends time.

The first thing you'll likely notice is the imposing Great Tower, topped with a Baroque dome and housing Sigismund—the largest bell in Bohemia, cast in the 1500s and weighing in at over 33,000 pounds. Just beside it is the cathedral’s southern entrance—the Golden Gate—famed for its gleaming mosaic of the Last Judgment, crafted from Venetian glass.

Inside, you’re instantly struck by the vertical grandeur of the nave. On the left, the stained-glass windows impart a transcendent aura; particularly the third one—a vivid Art Nouveau piece by Alfons Mucha, which tells the story of Christianity in the Czech lands through a kaleidoscope of color and symbolism. Other highlights include a wooden panorama of old Prague, the extravagant silver tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, and a fascinating mix of sculptural details that range from sacred to surreal.

A few tips before your visit: entry to the main area and some interior sections is free, but a full tour requires a ticket bundled with Prague Castle access. There’s also an option to climb the tower—for a separate fee—rewarding the ambitious with sweeping views, assuming you're up for the tight staircase.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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St. Vitus Cathedral on Map

Sight Name: St. Vitus Cathedral
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

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