logo
ic_menu

St. Vitus Cathedral

48/2 III. nádvoří, Hradčany, Hlavní město Praha

Description

St. Vitus Cathedral was built in the 14th century with a Gothic design but several architectural elements (mainly Renaissance and Baroque) were added over the next centuries. It is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, housing the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors. Highlights include the 102m high main tower, the ribbed vaulted Chapel of St. Wenceslaus adorned with precious stones and paintings, the Mosaic of the Last Judgment above the Golden Gate, and the large number of stained-glass windows.

Access & Transport

The cathedral is within the Prague Castle complex, atop the hill just north of the Little Quarter and across the Manes Bridge from the Old Town. It is a 10mins and 20mins walk to each of those neighbourhoods, respectively. There are also several public transport options with Pražský hrad tram stop (12, 23, 32) only 5mins walk from the entrance and metro Malostranská (A) or Hradčanská (A) providing additional optionality. Directions: https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors/how-to-get-to-castle

Instructions & Recommendations

The "Prague Castle Circuit" ticket includes the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus Cathedral, St George's Basilica and the Golden Lane. Tickets are valid for 2 days and each building can only be entered once.

Meta review

One of the highlights in the city according to most guidebooks and online review portals. It should be noted that many only see it from the outside since it is possible to enter the Castle grounds for free and walk around the cathedral, enjoying the impressive exterior architecture and massive size of the edifice. Inside, there are mixed comments and it is often described as nice but not that exceptional, certainly less impressive than the Church of St Nicholas, though the stained-glass windows are certainly visually very enjoyable. Expect a line to get tickets at certain times of the day.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Part of the city's and country's architectural and artistic heritages

Conclusion

St Vitus Cathedral is one of the highlights of the Prague Castle complex and definitely worth a visit if you are planning to explore some of the other building such as the Old Royal Palace. We would however not pay the full admission price just for this monument.

Key positive

Visually impressive Gothic exterior design and architecture

Nice stained-glass windows

Key negative

Somewhat expensive (recent sharp rise in price)

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions and accessible (except for the tower)

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
Transport to/from
We give some credit since the ticket also provides access to the rest of the Castle complex
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission is 20mins before closing

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY12:00 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 16:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 16:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 16:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 16:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 16:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 16:00

SUNDAY12:00 - 16:00

Pricing
Price for the "Prague Castle Circuit" ticket
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
CZK 300
Adult
17 - 64
CZK 450
Child
6 - 16
CZK 300
Infant
0 - 5
CZK 0
Price for university students up to 26 is CZK 300
Family price

Max total number:7

Max number of adults:2

Min.child age:6

Max.child age:16

Price for familyCZK 950

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.