This cathedral is a compilation of renovations and additions, consisting mostly of neo gothic elements but also with various other renaissance and baroque pieces. The twin gothic towers which rise up at the main entrance (west side) are the newest additions and notice, are of a different style to the third and tallest renaissance/gothic/baroque tower on the south side. Peter Parler was the designer of note for the gothic elements over various parts of the whole and dramatically demonstrates his style on the flying buttresses on the rear (east end) of the building. The many gargoyles poking out grotesquely are a harmless, one hopes, but worrisome feature and especially interesting when it rains; the water pours down from their ugly mouths.

Enter the main entrance and feel the vast vaulted space rising 33 meters and on either side the sprinkling of coloured light from the stain glass windows. Each stain glassed window is designed individually one of which was made by the celebrated Czech painter Alfons Mucha. The huge rosary window casts its light from behind.

Also open to view is the chapel of St Wenceslas, built around the tomb of 22 year old Wenceslas and built upon the foundations of the original basilica. The chapel is incredibly ornate with thousands of polished semi-precious stones (amethyst, agates and Jaspers) laid in the walls amongst paintings and plenty of gold. The door at the back leads upstairs to the crowned jewels firmly locked away. Although the chapel is open to view, members of the public cannot go into the chapel.

The altar is out of bounds without a ticket, but will be well rewarded for those interested. The elaborate silver thronal sepulchre of St. John of Nepomuk is kept here beyond the successive chapels and the stone tombs of several of bohemia’s Premyslid kings. The ticket will also include a sweeping view over Prague from the tallest tower reached after climbing 287 very narrow and winding stairs. Notice the gigantic 18-ton bells as you go up. A decent into the crypt will lead to the tombs of King Charles IV (d.1378), King Jiri of Podebrady (d.1471) and his four wives in one box, jealous king Vasclav IV - Charles’ son and the tomb of King Rudolf II.