Prague Castle
Prague Castle, located in the Czech Republic, is one of the largest castles in the world. Originally established in the 9th century, Prague Castle became the center of political and religious activity for centuries. In the 10th century, the gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica were built, followed by palaces, monasteries, galleries, and towers in the successive years. Through the years, the castle was damaged by fires and wars, yet time after time, Prague’s leaders rebuilt and restored the castle.
In 1918, the seat of the President of the newly formed country of Czechoslovakia was located in Prague Castle. The castle was also used as a headquarters during the Nazi occupation and later as the place of government offices. After the split of Czechoslovakia into two separate countries, Prague Castle became the seat of the Head of State for the new Czech Republic and is now the Presidential headquarters of the country. The castle was regularly rebuilt and renovated by different architects throughout its grand history. As a result of this, Prague Castle contains architecture from nearly every period in design history since its establishment. Still, the medieval glory has not faded from this historic castle and its rich political and architectural history has made Prague Castle a destination for travelers from around the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Castle
St. George’s Basilica
In Czech, Prague Castle is Pražský hrad, and often simply called “The Hrad.”
Saint Vitus Cathedral
Saint Vitus Cathedral is the biggest and most important church in the Czech Republic. The Cathedral is named for Saint Vitus, a Sicilian martyr who was one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. In Catholicism, St. Vitus is the patron saint of dancers, actors, comedians, youth, and dogs. The sick appealed to St. Vitus because they believed he could intercede against disease, especially nervous disorders. For this reason, he is also often considered the patron saint of the epileptic. The Cathedral in Prague Castle was named for Saint Vitus by Wencelaus I. Originally, the site held a simple church, founded by Wencelaus I, who chose Saint Vitus as its patron saint because he had been given his arm as a holy relic. For this reason, when the Cathedral was built on the site of the old church, it was called St. Vitus Cathedral. St. Vitus is a fitting name for a cathedral, because he helped the physically sick; and the cathedral should be a place where the spiritually sick will find healing.
The Cathedral that stands today in Prague Castle was founded in 1344. It was built in the French Gothic style, as a triple-nave basilica with flying buttresses. The cathedral also has a short transept, choir, and apse with many chapels and is said to have influenced the development of Gothic architecture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Vitus_Cathedral
http://saintvitus.com/SaintVitus/