The Metropolitan Chapter of St Vitus is the body of canons at St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle.[1][2]
The body of canons of the St Vitus chapter was formed in the 970s, when the Prague bishopric was established. The church where it served thereby gained considerably in importance.[1][2] After the establishment of the archbishopric, to which Pope Clement VI agreed by a bull of 30 April 1344, the basilica became a metropolitan church.[1]
According to the cathedral's website, the chapter, together with the Prague archbishopric, initiated the Baroque completion of the church in 1673, during the reign of Leopold I. The completion was not successful.[1]
The dean of the chapter is one of the seven holders of keys to the Korunní komora in St Vitus Cathedral, where the Bohemian Crown Jewels have long been kept. The other key holders are the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Presidents of the Senate and of the Chamber of Deputies, the Archbishop of Prague and the Mayor of Prague. The jewels can be removed from the chamber only when all seven key holders are present.[3][4]
Sources
- Katedrála svatého Víta, Václava a Vojtěcha (katedralasvatehovita.cz)
- Správa Pražského hradu (hrad.cz)
- ČTK / České noviny — 15 September 2026
- Blesk.cz — 29 September 2026