Saint Wenceslas Cathedral

Summary

Saint Wenceslas Cathedral (Czech: Katedrála svatého Václava) is a gothic cathedral at Wenceslas Square in Olomouc, in the Czech Republic, founded in 1107. The square was named after Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia on the thousandth anniversary of his death in 935. The cathedral is also named after him.

Cathedral of St Wenceslas
Katedrála svatého Václava
Cathedral of St Wenceslas is located in Czech Republic
Cathedral of St Wenceslas
Cathedral of St Wenceslas
Location in Czech Republic
49°35′52″N 17°15′45″E / 49.5978°N 17.2624°E / 49.5978; 17.2624
LocationOlomouc
CountryCzech Republic
DenominationRoman Catholic
WebsiteWebsite of the Cathedral
History
StatusActive
Founded1107
DedicationSt Wenceslaus
Consecrated30 June 1131
Architecture
Functional statusCathedral
Architectural typeChurch
StyleGothic
Specifications
Number of spires3
Administration
DioceseOlomouc
Clergy
ArchbishopJan Graubner
RectorLadislav Švirák

The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc.

History edit

 
The cathedral before the 1880s reconstruction campaign

The cathedral began in the Romanesque style and was consecrated in 1131. Extensive Gothic modifications were made in 13th and 14th century.

Bohemian king Wenceslaus III of Bohemia was murdered in a nearby house of the former dean of the cathedral on 4 August 1306. Wenceslaus III was the last of the male Přemyslid rulers of Bohemia.

Gothic revival changes, which included refacing the building, rebuilding the west front and the construction of the central tower, were made during 1883–1892. These were designed by Gustav Meretta and R. Völkel.

The cathedral was restored in 2004–2007.

Architecture edit

The cathedral is formed by three towers. The front two form the front, while the third one in the back, the southern tower, is with its 100.65 metres (330.2 ft) height the tallest church tower in Moravia, and the second tallest church tower in the Czech Republic.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ "St Wenceslas' Cathedral". Tourism.Olomouc.eu. Statutory city of Olomouc. Retrieved 2022-06-29.

External links edit

  • Description and history of the cathedral