Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

PRAGUE 237

. Flying Buttresses
The slender buttresses that
surround the exterior of the
nave and chancel, supporting
the vaulted interior, are
richly decorated.
. Chapel of
St Wenceslas
This opulent, jew-
el-studded chap-
el, home to the
saint’s tomb, is
the highlight of a
visit to St Vitus’s
Cathedral. This
bronze ring hangs
on the chapel’s
north portal.
. Golden Portal
Until the 19th century, this was the
main cathedral entrance and it is still
used on special occasions. Above it is a
mosaic of The Last Judgment by
14th-century Venetian craftsmen.

Gothic Vaulting

The skills of architect

Peter Parler are clearly

seen in the delicate

fans of ribbing that

support the three

Gothic arches of the

Golden Portal.

Chancel

To Old Royal

Palace

The Renaissance
bell tower is
capped with a
Baroque “helmet”.

The tomb of

St Wenceslas is connected

to an altar, decorated with

semi-precious stones.

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

Prague Castle, third courtyard.

Map B3. v 22 to Prague

Castle. X Hradčanská,

Malostranská. Cathedral

# Mar–Oct: 9am–5pm Mon–

Sat, 12pm–5pm Sun; Nov–Feb:

9am–4pm Mon–Sat, 12pm–4pm

Sun. Bell tower # Apr–Oct:

9am–4pm daily. & 7 5

http://www.hrad.cz

STAR FEATURES

. Flying Buttresses
. Chapel of
St Wenceslas
. Golden Portal