Saint Wenceslas Cathedral

Saint Wenceslas Cathedral (Czech language: Katedrála svatého Václava) is a neo-gothic cathedral at Wenceslas square in Olomouc, in the Czech Republic. The square was named after Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia on the thousandth anniversary of his death in 1935. The cathedral is also named after him.

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

File:Dom svateho Vaclava - rekonstrukce.jpg

restoration of Saint Wenceslas Cathedral in 2006

History

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

Czech king Wenceslaus III of Bohemia was murdered in a nearby house of the former dean of the cathedral on August 4, 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.

File:St Wenceslas Cathedral.jpg

Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, January 2006

The cathedral was restored February 2004 – 2007.

Architecture

The cathedral's main tower is 100.65 metres (330.2 ft) high, making it the 4th tallest building in the Czech Republic.

External links

• Description and history of the cathedral