Six secrets of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague

Ah, St. Vitus Cathedral is full of little-known secrets and fascinating details that even many visitors miss. Here are some of the most intriguing:

1. The Skeleton of a “Giant” – In one of the cathedral’s chapels, there’s a display of a mysterious human skeleton said to be unusually tall. Some legends claim it belonged to a giant, while historians think it may just be an exceptionally tall medieval person.
   
2. The Devil’s Stone – Near one of the entrances, a carved stone shows a grotesque devil figure. Local legend says it was meant to protect the cathedral from evil spirits, but some believe it also represents the sin and temptation the faithful must overcome.
   
3. Hidden Gargoyles – While many know of the cathedral’s spires and gargoyles, some are tucked away in hard-to-see corners and even inside inner courtyards. These grotesque figures were thought to ward off evil spirits but also served as rain spouts.
   
4. St. Wenceslas’ Secret Door – The chapel dedicated to St. Wenceslas has a hidden passage that was supposedly used by clergy and royals to move discreetly during ceremonies or in times of danger.
   
5. Mucha’s Stained Glass Messages – Some of the stained glass windows by Alfons Mucha contain subtle symbolism and personal touches of the artist, including references to Czech history and folklore that most visitors overlook.
   
6. Unfinished Towers – Not all of the cathedral’s towers were completed as originally planned. Some sketches from medieval architects show grander designs that were never realized due to wars and funding shortages.
   

Picture: Envato