Situated within the Prague Castle complex, St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring examples of Gothic architecture in the city and is one of the largest and most important churches in the Czech Republic.

This imposing cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV and construction began in 1344 on the site of a former 10th century Romanesque rotunda. Astonishingly the Gothic masterpiece took nearly 600 years to complete with the final phase of construction ending in 1929. The initial build was tasked to the master French architect Matthias of Arras who designed the overall layout taking inspiration from the French Gothic style. Unfortunately, he only lived to build the Eastern parts of the choir, so the task was then intrusted to the 23-year-old German - Peter Parler, who was already a veteran of Cologne’s cathedral. Parler was able to add his own touches to the design including the unique diagonal pattern vaults and artistic gothic tracery, which were completed before he died in 1399.

The construction was put on hold for almost 500 years due to the Hussite Wars which then delayed the build until the latter half of the 19th century when its completion was finally approved. It's useful to note that the architecture to the left of the tallest tower including the main nave and the narrow side aisles is Gothic revival, whilst everything to the right is from the 14th century.

As you enter the small courtyard, you are met with the looming western façade of the cathedral where you can also find the entrance. On the exterior, along the Southern side of the church, you will discover the old entrance known as ‘The Golden Gate’ which displays an exquisite 14th century mosaic of The Last Judgement. Before heading inside take a walk around the whole structure to spot the numerous gargoyles adorning its walls. No two are the same design and are said to represent the many faces of the devil!

Stepping inside the cathedral I was completely blown away by the scale and beauty of its interiors, which in my opinion where even more impressive than its exterior! Lining either side of the nave are numerous chapels, which include exceptionally vivid stained-glass windows dedicated to different saints. Flooded with colour the sharp hues and intricate designs look even more angelic when they are saturated by the sunlight pouring through them. One of my favourites was the South window where the nave and transept meet, designed by Max Švabinský it depicts the Last Judgement and if you look carefully, you can see the fires of hell burning in the lower right-hand corner.

The chapel of St. Wenceslas is particularly impressive due to its elaborate 14th century decoration, with frescoes and gilded panels including over 1300 semi-precious stones which form the tomb of the country’s patron saint. Fascinatingly the tombstone is still located where it was originally placed in the Romanesque rotunda. Although he never became king in his lifetime, many people will recognise the name from the Christmas carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’ with the regal title being posthumously conferred on him after his death.

From here you will next discover the lavish and embellished tomb of St John of Nepomuk, the Czech archbishop who became a martyr after being drowned in a river when he refused to divulge the secrets of the Queen’s confessional. The tomb was designed by an Austrian architect in 1736 and is thought to have used two tonnes of silver, with the sarcophagus being the heaviest in the Czech Republic. The draped deep red canopy carried by silver angels amongst the candles, cherubs and moulded figures creates a masterpiece in funerary art.

Many dukes, kings and high-ranking officials are buried within the holy grounds and crypt of the cathedral as well as the architects Matthias of Arras and Peter Parler. As you round the end of the ambulatory you will pass the tomb of St Vitus to whom the cathedral is dedicated. He was known as the patron saint of Bohemia as well as the patron of actors, entertainers and dancers.

Other interesting pieces to note which I found along the North side of the church were a sculpture of a demon being pierced with a spear and an interesting tomb decorated with skulls and crossbones. 

After you have soaked up the Gothic interiors, I would highly recommend climbing the Great South Tower where you can admire spectacular views across the city as well as getting a glimpse of the largest bell in the Czech Republic (which weighs 16 tonnes and is called Sigismund). Please take into consideration that the tower has 287 narrow spiralling steps to climb and is over 90 meters high, however the views of the architecture from above and of the surrounding steeples definitely make the climb feel worth it! To access the tower, you can simply buy a separate ticket from the entrance on the day that you visit.