St Bartholomew’s Cathedral
Plzeň, Czechia
A Gothic cathedral in the middle of Plzeň’s main square whose tower, at over 100 metres, is the tallest church tower in the country. Climb the tower stairs for views; park in the garages around the old town.
St Bartholomew’s Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Bartoloměje) stands in the middle of the main square of Plzeň (Pilsen) in western Bohemia, Czech Republic, on its north side. Its tower, at just over 102 m, is the tallest church tower in the country. The town was founded around 1295, and building of the Gothic hall church began after 1342 with the chancel. It has a nave with two aisles, pointed-arch windows, Rayonnant tracery and net vaulting. It has been a cathedral since 1993, when the Diocese of Plzeň was created, and was declared a national cultural monument in 1995.
Among the highlights is the Pilsen Madonna of about 1390 on the high altar. If you climb the tower, you take around 300 steps to the viewing platform at a height of 62 m and see, in clear weather, the old town, the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) and the Upper Palatine Forest (Český les). Choose a clear day for it. The town hall, the Plzeň Historical Underground and the Prazdroj brewery are nearby.
- Nearest town
- Plzeň, Czechia
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 49.7477, 13.3776
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Czechia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- OstendeCampsite3 km from St Bartholomew’s CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Diana Autokemp EjpoviceCampsite10 km from St Bartholomew’s CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Transkemp HracholuskyCampsite16 km from St Bartholomew’s CathedralTentsCaravans
- Autokemp RadostCampsite18 km from St Bartholomew’s CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping TerasyCampsite18 km from St Bartholomew’s CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Stellplatz NěmčoviceMotorhome stopover20 km from St Bartholomew’s Cathedral · 4 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Czechia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is St Bartholomew’s Cathedral?
St Bartholomew’s Cathedral is in Plzeň, Czechia, at GPS 49.7477, 13.3776. It is about 54 km from Mariánské Lázně.
Can you camp near St Bartholomew’s Cathedral?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ostende, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass St Bartholomew’s Cathedral?
St Bartholomew’s Cathedral is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The West Bohemian spa triangle: Plzeň to Karlovy Vary.
What is there to see near St Bartholomew’s Cathedral?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kynžvart Château (61 km), Karlštejn Castle (62 km), Mill Colonnade (64 km) and Čertovo Lake (65 km).
When is the best time to visit St Bartholomew’s Cathedral?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)