St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague (must see)

Rising above the Vltava from the heart of Prague Castle, Saint Vitus Cathedral is impossible to miss—and even harder to forget. Before entering, pause in the castle courtyard and look up at the cathedral’s south side. The huge Great Tower is the one capped by a Baroque dome; inside hangs Sigismund, the largest bell in Bohemia, cast in the 1500s and weighing over 33,000 pounds (or 14 tonnes). Just below it is the Golden Gate, the cathedral’s ceremonial southern entrance. You will know it by the glittering Last Judgment mosaic above the arches, made from Venetian glass.

Step inside and stop in the nave. First, look straight ahead: the Gothic interior immediately pulls your eye upward through pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and columns that seem determined to reach heaven without using a ladder... This soaring space is the cathedral’s first great attraction.

Now, turn to the left-hand side of the nave and look along the stained-glass windows. The most famous of them is the Alfons Mucha window, in the north nave. You’ll recognize it by its rich blues, glowing halos, flowing figures, and elegant Art Nouveau style, quite different from the older Gothic surroundings. It tells the story of Christianity in the Czech lands, though most visitors are simply attracted by its colors.

Continue toward the crossing and look for the Chapel of Saint Wenceslaus, one of the cathedral’s treasures. It is usually viewed from the doorway rather than entered freely. You can identify it by its jewel-like walls, set with semi-precious stones, and its dense, golden Gothic decoration. This chapel honors the holy patron of the Czech lands, and near it is the locked entrance to the Crown Chamber, where the Bohemian crown jewels are kept.

Another major highlight is the silver tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk. Look for the bright, theatrical silver monument raised above the floor and surrounded by sculptural decoration. Against the darker Gothic interior, it shines like a Baroque exclamation mark.

Also watch for the wooden panorama of old Prague, a smaller but charming detail that shifts attention from saints and kings to the city itself, offering a miniature glimpse of Prague’s historic skyline.

A practical note: some areas can be viewed without a full ticket, but the main route is usually included with Prague Castle admission. The tower climb costs extra, and the stairs are narrow, but the view is superb.