How Long Did It Take to Build Cathedral in Prague?

In the heart of Prague, stands a magnificent architectural wonder – the Cathedral of St. Vitus. This Gothic masterpiece took several centuries to complete, a testament to the dedication and skill of the craftsmen and builders who worked on it over the years.

The Beginnings

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1344 during the reign of King John of Bohemia. It was intended to be a showpiece of his wealth and power. The initial plans called for a grand structure that would rival any other cathedral in Europe.

However, progress was slow in the early years due to various obstacles such as wars, lack of funds, and changes in architectural styles. As a result, it took nearly six decades to complete just the choir and part of the nave.

The Reign of Charles IV

In 1355, Charles IV ascended to the throne and became a major patron of art and architecture. Under his rule, work on St. Vitus Cathedral gained momentum. Charles IV brought in skilled craftsmen from all over Europe to work on the project.

During this period, several notable additions were made to the cathedral including the stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone tracery. The construction techniques improved significantly, allowing for faster progress.

A Pause in Construction

Unfortunately, construction came to a halt once again during the Hussite Wars in the early 15th century. The wars led to significant damage to Prague Castle, including St. Vitus Cathedral. It was not until more than a century later that work resumed on completing and restoring the damaged sections.

Renaissance Revival

In 1561, under Emperor Ferdinand I’s reign, Renaissance influence began shaping St. Vitus Cathedral’s design. The towering spires were added, giving the cathedral its distinctive Silhouette that dominates Prague’s skyline. It took several decades to complete the spires and other Renaissance elements.

Baroque Flourishes

The 17th century witnessed further additions to the Cathedral, this time in the Baroque style. The interior was adorned with ornate sculptures, paintings, and intricate decorations. The Baroque altar and chapels were added during this period, adding to the grandeur of the Cathedral.

The Final Touches

It wasn’t until 1929 that the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral came to an end. The final touches were completed under the guidance of renowned Czech architect Josip Plečnik. Plečnik brought a modern touch to the Cathedral while respecting its Gothic roots.

Today, St. Vitus Cathedral stands as a symbol of Czech history and architectural prowess. It took over 600 years to complete this monumental structure, making it one of the longest construction projects in history.

In conclusion, St. Vitus Cathedral is a testament to human perseverance and dedication. From its humble beginnings in the 14th century to its final completion in the 20th century, it stands as a remarkable achievement in architecture and craftsmanship.