The Cathedral of St. Vitus at Prague Castle

Book excerpt: St Vitus' Cathedral in Prague Castle is one of the symbols of the Czech statehood; it is the coronation and burial site of Bohemian kings and it has remained a leading Christian cathedral, the residence of archbishops, the venue for state ceremonies and, last but not least, a much sought-after tourist attraction. This book by renowned experts presents the history of the cathedral, inseparably linked to the history of the Czech Lands, in chronological order. This traditional exposition focusing on history and art history is based on the results of archaeological research as well as on preserved historical documents. The scholars present the circumstances of the cathedral's foundation by Charles IV in the 14th century, the progression of the construction, including later alterations and additions. The focus of their exposition lies in a detailed description of the sculpted and artistic decoration, significant monuments (St Wenceslaus' Chapel containing the crown jewels, the building's foundations, and the burial site of Bohemian kings). The text, set in a the broader context of the developments of European architecture, is richly illustrated with contemporary photographs, historical images, reconstructions and plans.