SAINT VINCENZO'S CATHEDRAL

The silhouette of St. Wenceslas Cathedral, with its three spires, one of which is the tallest in Moravia at 100.65 meters, is visible from every corner of the city and is the epitome of the city. Started in the early 12th century by the Olomouc prince Svatopluk, the impressive church was consecrated in 1131 but completed only ten years later. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed by fire in 1265. While the general layout still follows the original medieval plan, much of what can be seen today, including the imposing pillars supporting the three naves, is due to the Gothic reconstruction of the 13th and 14th centuries. Note the impressive size of the choir and the richness of its Baroque decoration. It is built on an equally impressive crypt, accessible by the side stairs. But it is not for its architecture or decoration that the cathedral became famous in Czech history: on August 4, 1306, while the building was at the center of a political intrigue against the Přemyslids, King Wenceslas III was assassinated there. This murder marked the abrupt end of the dynasty and would send the country into chaos before the Luxembourg dynasty took over a few years later. Today, the beautiful facade recently restored and the sober but colorful and bright interior are the main attractions of the building.