St Vitus Cathedral in Prague looks so familiar to me the first time I laid my eyes on its massive Gothic structure. I was pretty sure I’ve seen it somewhere but I had a hard time remembering it.
Standing and staring outside its facade, I really tried hard to remember where in the world I saw this cathedral before.
Then it hit me – it looks like it’s the smaller version of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Both are impressive and great examples of Gothic architecture with historical importance.
The Cathedral is inside the complex of Prague Palace, the world’s largest palace complex.
Inside, you won’t just find breathtaking arches, flying buttresses, and scary gargoyles but also tombs of royals and saints of Bohemia.
And of course, the body of St Vitus also rests here. Saint Vitus is said to be the saint for entertainers, dancers, lightning strikes, oversleeping, and animal attacks.
Don’t forget to admire the colorful stained glass windows, too. On a sunny day, the cathedral looks like it is bathed in a kaleidoscope of rainbows!
Believe it or not, St Vitus Cathedral took almost 600 years to build.
When you’re done inspecting the interiors, go to the back of the Cathedral. In there, you will find a smaller church in Baroque style.
Walk on the Golden Lane and search for house 22 where Franz Kafka used to live.
Also, in one of the odd corners around here, the complex’s dark secrets are unveiled. I found this eerie hanging “ironman” in one of the corners that used to be a prison cell.
And when you are done strolling around the Cathedral, climb the tower to see the bird’s eye view of the city of Prague. It’s a sight you shouldn’t miss!
Hostel/Hotel in Prague – Where to Stay
I stayed at Cosmopole Hostel in a busy area where public transport to and from the train station is just a few steps from the door. The Old Town is around 20 minutes walk, passing by some of the city’s unique architecture. The hostel is surrounded by shops and cafes that are even late at night. The rooms are quite small, but with only four people in it, you can still move around comfortably. Be aware that Prague is pretty expensive, so finding cheap accommodation can be a challenge. It’s also super touristy here, the earlier you book, the better you have the chance to get a bed space.
These hostels are in the center of the Old Town: SafeStay Prague and Hostel Homer. If you can afford it, the Corinthia Hotel Prague is for you. You can book all of these hotel/hotels in Prague via Booking, TripAdvisor, HostelWorld, and Expedia.