St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Pilsen Plzeň

Right at the heart of Pilsen is St. Bartholomew's Cathedral on the Republic Square. The gothic cathedral counts as a landmark of the city and is a national cultural monument. It did not become a cathedral until 1993 after pope Johannes Paul II. appointed Pilsen as diocese. The history of the cathedral dates back to the founding of the city, which started in the year 1295 and lasted over many centuries. The church was reconstructed again and again by individual builders at different points in time. The biggest reconstruction took place in the 14th century. In order to extend the building, most of the church was taken down. Merely the presbytery stayed as it was. Today, the cathedral is one of Pilsen's highlights, an impressive building that dominates the Republic Square. It is worth returning to the square in the evening hours, when the cathedral and fountains are illuminated. You will see a unique image combining history and modernity.

The Pilsen Madonna

As well as the cathedral itself, the Madonna inside the building is a national cultural monument. The Pilsen Madonna stands on the high altar, and is made out of clay slate. She was created in 1384, the artist being unknown until today. The four saint figures Bartholomew, Wenzel, Veit and Johannes stand to the side of her. The altar itself was built by Josef Leimer and is based on a design by the architect Josef Mocker.

The Sternberg Chapel

Also worth a visit, bordering with the south side of the presbytery, is the Sternberg Chapel. It used to be a burial chapel for the Sternberg noble family. The family lived in the castle Grünberg in the western Bohemian city Nepomuk and were allies to the city of Pilsen. The chapel was presumably built in the seventies or eighties of the 15th century. It has a magnificent Bohemian altar at the center of it.

The church tower

The church tower of St. Bartholomew's Cathedral measures 102,6 meters and is the highest church tower in the Czech Republic. Originally, the church meant to have two towers, but the second one was never finished. The bell tower is open for visitors and has an observation platform at around 60 meters height. From the platform you enjoy a fantastic panoramic view, overlooking the whole city.

The church tower

The church tower of St. Bartholomew's Cathedral measures 102,6 meters and is the highest church tower in the Czech Republic. Originally, the church meant to have two towers, but the second one was never finished. The bell tower is open for visitors and has an observation platform at around 60 meters height. From the platform you enjoy a fantastic panoramic view, overlooking the whole city.

The construction of the church building began with the founding of the city in the year 1295 and was completed only at the beginning of the 16th century. The church was built in a gothic style and is a typical hall church. This means that the three aisles of the church have the same or a similar height. St. Bartholomew's Cathedral was first mentioned in the year 1307, in the testament of a Pilsen citizen. At that time, the church was still under construction and with great certainty had a different shape than it has today. It is not clear whether it was originally located elsewhere or if it had always been where it stands now. In the course of the years, many architects made changes to the building. The biggest change took place in the 14th century though, when a large part of the church was taken down in order to extend the building. Only the presbytery, built in 1350, remains in its original form.

By car:

The best way to reach Pilsen is over Nuremberg. At the motorway junction east (Autobahnkreuz Ost), follow the signs to the A6 direction Prague. Leave the Autobahn at exit 89 direction Most and continue driving on route 26. From here, you simply follow the signs to the center of Pilsen.