Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Hradec Králové

Organ sound and interior of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, a principal church of the Diocese of Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic. It is a late Gothic brick basilica with two towers, which is located in the southwestern corner of the Great Square in Hradec Králové.
The Cathedral was probably founded by Queen Elizabeth Rejčka in 1308, however, the interior of the Cathedral reflected the influence of the second wife of Wenceslaus IV, Sophia of Bavaria. Throughout its history, the Cathedral was burnt down several times but was constantly renovated. Nowadays, it is the only surviving medieval Gothic church in this area.
The Cathedral also features characteristic brick architecture, a rarity among Gothic cathedrals in Czech lands. The uniqueness here is the contrast between red brick and white sandstone used on portals, windows, and cornices of the temple. The Cathedral also has three naves, a long choir, a 15th-century tin baptistery, a Baroque altarpiece showing St. Anthony painted by Petr Brandl, and a late Gothic altar in the South aisle.
The ceiling of the Cathedral is decorated with painted coats of arms of the diocesan bishops, archbishops, and Pope John Paul II. The rich church decoration and the diversity of its styles are a testimony of the intersection between cultural influences and local devotion throughout centuries of Christian history in Europe.
On 26 April 1997 Pope John Paul II visited the Diocese of Hradec Králové. To commemorate the visit of the Pope a memorial board was attached on the east wall of the church, and on 3 April 2015 the relics of Pope John Paul II. were deposited on the left side of the presbytery in a new reliquary.
Photo: main entrance of the Holy Spirit Cathedral and White Tower in Hradec Králové.
Hradec Kralovės (Čekija) gotikinės Šventosios Dvasios katedros (1307-1463) interjeras ir skambantys vargonai. Filmuota 2023 08 06.