聖ヴィート教会(kostelsv。vita)Prince Vaclav established a rotunda here in 925; Duke Spetihnev transformed it into a more spacious basilica; Charles IV ensured that the Prague episcopate became an archbishopric here in 1344.
The cathedral was greatly influenced by members of the Parler workshop, who specialized in Late Gothic styles unique to Central Europe. Alfons Mucha and Frantisek Kisela designed stained-glass windows from 1925 until 1939 for this monumental structure.
History 聖ヴィート教会(kostelsv。vita)
Since 925 when Duke Wenceslas created a Romanesque rotunda on this spot, a church dedicated to Saint Vitus has stood there on this site. Later rebuilt into a basilica by 1061 and transformed by order of Charles IV into Gothic cathedral status by 1344.
Petr Parler’s Gothic designs had an enormous effect on shaping Central European late Gothic styles; his workshop created many churches throughout this region.
Legend holds that Saint Vitus (also known as Guy) was a Christian martyr from Sicily, often linked with Modestus and Crescentia martyrs; their story has no apparent historical foundation. Their feast day is 15 June; their veneration as patron saints for dancers also dates from this date; his feast day falls on 15 June as well. According to some accounts he protected against lightning strikes, animal attacks and oversleeping. During medieval times he became very popular among travellers.
Architecture
Baroque reconstruction saw extensive changes to the church. The apse was decorated with Baroque furnishings and vaulting was altered into a six-partite design to remove its Gothic ribs. In 1844 Vaclav Pesina, an energetic St Vitus canon, and Neo-Gothic architect Josef Kranner formed an organization known as “Union for Completion of Cathedral”, with an aim of repairing, completing and eliminating anything damaged or stylistically inappropriate from its structure.
The cathedral features a three-arched central nave and five-sided presbyterium with rectangular multistoried sacristies on either side; furthermore, its tower has four quadrangular Roman window openings at ground level that change into eight-sided ones at higher altitude.
Alfons Mucha created windows which reflect his nationalistic iconography developed for more ambitious projects such as The Slav Epic (a cycle of 20 paintings depicting 1000 years of Czech history). His saint himself can be seen here surrounded by Slavs; according to legend he was cast into a cauldron filled with boiling tar and lead before becoming patron saint of dancers as well as protecting against neurological disorder Sydenham’s chorea.
Interior
Not only can visitors to St. Thomas Cathedral marvel at its exterior architecture, but inside they’re treated to incredible stone carvings and breathtaking stained glass windows designed by legendary Czech Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha between 1920-1927.
The cathedral also houses many treasures from Charles IV and his sons’ reign, such as a Romanic trier board dating back to 1266 made of goldsmith pieces decorated with precious stones.
St Vitus Cathedral is an integral component of Prague Castle, taking nearly 600 years to construct. Home to an array of marvels such as St Wenceslas Chapel with tomb of Bohemian King and Czech Kings’ burial places as well as Crown Chamber where Bohemian Crown Jewels are stored, it should not be missed when visiting Prague. This stunning temple should not be missed!
Exterior
Within Prague’s castle complex lies an extraordinary cathedral – a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Prague. This incredible structure holds immense cultural importance; having served as coronation church for Czech kings and burial site for numerous key figures of their nation’s history.
The cathedral was originally named Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert; however, since 1997 its official name has changed back to St. Vitus Cathedral. Many still refer to it as such.
The church features an exquisite exterior with flying buttresses and intricate spires, while its interior boasts stained glass windows designed by famed Czech Art Nouveau painter Alfons Mucha and housing the Crown Jewels for an unforgettable experience for visitors. A must-see stop when in Prague! Be sure to climb to the top of its tower for stunning city views from above.