St. Vitus Cathedral stands at the heart of Prague Castle, its Gothic spires and great south tower rising above the rooftops of Hradčany. The cathedral is the seat of Prague’s archbishop and one of the Czech Republic’s most important religious buildings, with a history closely tied to Bohemian kings and saints.
Construction began in 1344, during the reign of John of Luxembourg and under the patronage of the future Emperor Charles IV. The cathedral was not completed until 1929, and that long gestation is visible in its mix of medieval and later workmanship. Its most revered space is St. Wenceslas Chapel, decorated with gilding, paintings and semi-precious stones; Bohemian rulers are buried in the cathedral, while the crown jewels are kept here but rarely displayed.
Inside, look for the Art Nouveau stained-glass window designed by Alfons Mucha, as well as the soaring vaults and intricate tomb of St. John of Nepomuk. The contrast between Mucha’s vivid 20th-century work and the older chapels gives the cathedral much of its character.
Arrive early to enjoy the interior before the busiest tour groups. Admission to the main visitor route is generally included in a Prague Castle ticket, while access and opening hours can change for services or events, so check the official castle website before visiting. Allow time for security screening at the castle entrances.