St. Bartholomew's Cathedral

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral is located in the heart of Plzeň, on náměstí Republiky (Republic Square), the largest square in one of Europe’s most important historic city centers. It stands on the northern side of the square and dominates the Plzeň skyline. This Gothic cathedral, founded at the end of the 13th century, is a national cultural monument and one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Its 103-meter-tall tower is the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic and the third tallest building in the country. Visitors can climb 301 steps to the observation platform at around 60 meters, where on clear days you can see not only Plzeň but also the Bohemian and Upper Palatine Forests and even a part of the Alps. Inside, the cathedral houses the precious Pilsen Madonna, a clay slate statue from 1384, and the Sternberg Chapel, a former burial chapel for the noble Sternberg family with a magnificent Bohemian altar. Admission to the cathedral interior is free, while there is a small fee to climb the tower. Nearby, the historic Republic Square itself is lined with Gothic and Renaissance townhouses and is surrounded by key attractions. Just a short walk away are the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and the Brewery Museum, the Plzeň Historical Underground (whose entrance is connected to the same area), the Puppet Museum, the Great Synagogue, the Adolf Loos American Bar, and the Museum of West Bohemia, all easily accessible on foot.