DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
cathedral
—°10
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)

Weather…

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Plzeň is a Gothic masterpiece whose construction began shortly after the city's founding around 1295 and was completed in the early 16th century. Its most prominent feature is the 102.26-meter-high tower, which is the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic and gives panoramic views of the surrounding region. Inside, the cathedral houses the 'Pilsen Madonna', a precious Gothic stone sculpture from the late 14th century that is a significant object of pilgrimage. The architecture is characterized by a three-aisled nave and magnificent net vaulting. In the late 19th century, the building underwent neo-Gothic renovations that preserved its historical essence while enhancing its structural integrity. Since 1993, it has served as the cathedral for the Diocese of Pilsen, standing as a primary symbol of Western Bohemia's religious and cultural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-138131719181383-1
Rain mm544148437788879058514951

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Plzeň is open to the public. The interior requires a ticket, and climbing the tower is also possible.
🕒
Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open daily, except during services. Tower hours may vary by season and are often shorter.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the church without flash. From the tower, you can take city views, but tripods are usually not permitted.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 1.5 hours for the interior visit and tower climb. If you want to explore the entire church, budget 2 hours.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Great Square and the Pilsen Underground tour. The Brewery Museum is also a short walk away.
🧭
Getting there
The cathedral is right on Plzeň's main square, about a 10-minute walk from the main train station. Parking garages are available in the city centre.
💡
Insider tip
Climb the tower for a remarkable view over Plzeň. The ascent is strenuous, but the view is worthwhile, especially on clear days.

Geography

Coordinates
49.74750, 13.37750

Facts

  • The tower is 102.26 meters high, the tallest in the country.
  • Construction began shortly after the city was founded in 1295.
  • The 'Pilsen Madonna' dates back to approximately 1390.
  • The church was elevated to a cathedral status in 1993.
  • The interior features a prominent three-aisled Gothic nave.
  • Visitors must climb 301 steps to reach the observation deck.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pilsner Urquell BreweryPilsner Urquell Brewery<1 km · EExplore →
Techmania Science CenterTechmania Science Center<1 km · SWExplore →
Plzeň ZooPlzeň Zoo2 km · NWExplore →
Starý Plzenec RotundaStarý Plzenec Rotunda9 km · SEExplore →
RokycanyRokycany16 km · EExplore →
Kladruby MonasteryKladruby Monastery29 km · WExplore →
Švihov FortressŠvihov Fortress30 km · SExplore →
Zbiroh CastleZbiroh Castle30 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (10)

Cathedral of St. Bartholomew

Church in Plzeň-město District, Plzeň region. Gothic cathedral with the tallest church tower in Czechia.

Andělíček "ošahánek"

Small angel statue by the cathedral in Plzeň. Touching it is said to bring good luck, hence the name.

🕒 24/7♿

St. Mary's plague column

Marian column on the main square in Plzeň. Baroque, erected after the plague in the 17th century.

Muzeum strašidel🏛 museum

Museum of ghosts and legends in Plzeň. Exhibition on local myths and mythical creatures.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Galerie Jiřího Trnky

Gallery dedicated to Jiří Trnka, Czech puppeteer and illustrator. Displays his works.

Galerie města Plzně

City gallery in Plzeň. Temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

Národopisné muzeum Plzeňska🏛 museum

Museum in Plzeň, Czech Republic. Ethnography of the Plzeň region with costumes and everyday items.

Muzeum loutek🏛 museum

Museum in Plzeň, Czech Republic. Puppet museum with historical and modern marionettes.

Galerie Azyl

Small gallery in Plzeň. Exhibition space for local artists and changing projects.

Křižíkovy sady🌳 park

Street in Plzeň. Park-like avenue along the Radbuza river, named after inventor František Křižík.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the tower?
Yes, the tower gives a great view over the city of Pilsen.
How high is the tower?
At 102 meters, it is the highest church tower in the Czech Republic.
What is the Pilsen Madonna?
A valuable Gothic statue located on the main altar.
Where is the cathedral located?
In the center of Pilsen, on Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky).
Does the tower climb cost extra?
Yes, there is a separate admission ticket for the tower.
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral is located in Czech Republic.
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, Andělíček "ošahánek", St. Mary's plague column.
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Czech Republic →

Nearby cities

Prague — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Prague
The Golden City on the Vltava River, famous for its historic Charles Bridge and the massive Prague Castle complex.
Prague — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River and famous for its historic center and Charles…
Plzeň — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Plzeň
Plzeň is known worldwide as the birthplace of Pilsner beer and is a major industrial and cultural center in Western Bohemia.
Máj — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Máj
Máj is a large and significant housing estate in České Budějovice, known for its extensive panel building architecture and ongoing urban …
České Budějovice — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
České Budějovice
České Budějovice is the capital of South Bohemia, located at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers, famous for its brewing tradit…
Kladno — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Kladno
Kladno is the largest city in the Central Bohemian Region and historically a major center of coal mining and heavy industry.
Most — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Most
Most is a North Bohemian city whose historic center was demolished in the 1970s to make way for lignite mining and subsequently rebuilt.
Lužiny Housing Estate — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Lužiny Housing Estate
Lužiny is a large housing estate in the southwest of Prague, known for its modernist architecture and excellent connections to the city c…
Teplice — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Teplice
Teplice is a spa city in northern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, considered one of the oldest spas in Central Europe.
Chomutov — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Chomutov
Chomutov is a city in northwestern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, shaped by the heavy industry and mining of the region.
Karlovy Vary — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, known for its hot springs, grand colonnades, and international film festi…
Tábor — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Tábor
Tábor was founded in the 15th century by the Hussites as a fortified settlement and is closely linked to the history of the Czech Reforma…
Příbram — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Příbram
Příbram is a traditional mining town southwest of Prague, known primarily for silver and uranium mining and as a pilgrimage site.
Písek — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Písek
Písek is a historic city in South Bohemia on the Otava River, famous for the oldest preserved stone bridge in the country.
Litoměřice — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Litoměřice
Litoměřice is a royal city at the confluence of the Elbe and Ohře rivers, regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in northern Bohemia.

History & landmarks

Cheb — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Cheb
A historic town near the Bavarian border, famous for its imperial castle and the unique Špalíček half-timbered houses.
Cesky Krumlov — St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Czech Republic)
Cesky Krumlov
A medieval jewel in South Bohemia, embraced by a loop of the Vltava River and crowned by a magnificent castle.