GOTHIC CATHEDRAL SAINT-BARTHÉLEMY

Located in the center of Republic Square, its construction began in 1295 and was completed in the early 16th century, but it continued to be transformed until the 20th century. It dominates the city with its 102 meter spire, the highest in the country! You can climb to the top of the tower (věž) and get a beautiful view of the city at the cost of 301 steps. But before that, take advantage of the large size of the square to walk around the cathedral and admire its elegant silhouette by taking enough distance. Inside the cathedral, the marble statue of the Pilsen Madonna (Plzeňské madony) adorns the high altar. It belongs to the style of the "beautiful virgin saints" of Czech Gothic art. According to the legend, it was made by a blind man in 1390, according to the wishes of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary guided his hands during the work and restored his sight. Notice the back of the cathedral, where there is a sculpture with a grid with angels' heads. One of the angels is more polished than the others, and for good reason, it is a symbol of luck. It is said that whoever touches it will have his wish fulfilled. Next to it is the Plague Column (Morový sloup), built in 1681 as a "thank you" to a moderate spread of the plague epidemic that occurred the year before in Pilsen. In winter, the cathedral and the entire square take on a fairy-tale atmosphere when a giant illuminated nativity scene and ice rink take over the entire space.