Saint Wenceslas Cathedral
Saint Wenceslas Cathedral (Czech: Katedrála svatého Václava) is a gothic cathedral at Wenceslas Square in Olomouc, in the Czech Republic, founded in 1107. The square was named after Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia on the thousandth anniversary of his death in 935. The cathedral is also named after him.
Cathedral of St Wenceslas | |
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Katedrála svatého Václava | |
Cathedral of St Wenceslas Location in Czech Republic | |
49°35′52″N 17°15′45″E | |
Location | Olomouc |
Country | Czech Republic |
Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Website | Website of the Cathedral |
History | |
Status | Active |
Founded | 1107 |
Dedication | St Wenceslaus |
Consecrated | 30 June 1131 |
Architecture | |
Functional status | Cathedral |
Architectural type | Church |
Style | Gothic |
Specifications | |
Number of spires | 3 |
Administration | |
Diocese | Olomouc |
Clergy | |
Archbishop | Jan Graubner |
Rector | Ladislav Švirák |
The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc.
History
The cathedral began in the Romanesque style and was consecrated in 1131. Extensive Gothic modifications were made in 13th and 14th century.
Bohemian king Wenceslaus III of Bohemia was murdered in a nearby house of the former dean of the cathedral on 4 August 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 was restored in 2004–2007.
Architecture
The cathedral is formed by three towers. The front two form the front, while the third one in the back, the southern tower, is with its 100.65 metres (330.2 ft) height the tallest church tower in Moravia, and the second tallest church tower in the Czech Republic.[1]
References
- "St Wenceslas' Cathedral". Tourism.Olomouc.eu. Statutory city of Olomouc. Retrieved 2022-06-29.