St. Wenceslas Cathedral, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Saint Wenceslas Cathedral is a neo-gothic cathedral in Olomouc. 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 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. The cathedral's main tower is 100,65 metres high, making it the 4th tallest building in the Czech Republic.

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User Reviews

Michael Alexander (2 years ago)
Incredibly solemn architecture!

Eva H (2 years ago)
Beautiful historic cathedral along a cobblestone street.

Martin Ruzicka (3 years ago)
St. Venceslas Cathedral is a must see for monument and history lovers. It is one of these places where history was made - on of our kings Venceslas III was killed here in 1306 and it was the end of the ruling dinasty at that time. It is an imposant monument. During the Christmas time it is a busy place, but during the year it is usually calmer.

Maiko Shintani (3 years ago)
Beautiful church. It has a lot of interesting exhibitions underground. Even on the way to get there from the central area, you can see beautiful streets.

Michael Romero (3 years ago)
Saint Wenceslas cathedral is incredible and something not to be missed when visiting Olomouc. The building itself is very imposing and powerful but the treasures inside are magnificent. There are so many relics of Saints inside and you can tell this is a special and important place to Catholics. Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II both visited. Go into the crypt for even more beauty.

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Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Mezquita is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture.

According to a traditional account, a small Visigoth church, the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins, originally stood on the site. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers. The mosque underwent numerous subsequent changes: Abd al-Rahman II ordered a new minaret, while in 961 Al-Hakam II enlarged the building and enriched the Mihrab. The last of such reforms was carried out by Almanzor in 987. It was connected to the Caliph"s palace by a raised walkway, mosques within the palaces being the tradition for previous Islamic rulers – as well as Christian Kings who built their palaces adjacent to churches. The Mezquita reached its current dimensions in 987 with the completion of the outer naves and courtyard.

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