This premium philatelic issue brings to life the fascinating story of St Vitus Cathedral, the country’s most significant cathedral and the undisputed centrepiece of the entire Prague skyline. The artistic design masterfully blends deep history with the present day – the oldest known depiction of the cathedral from the Nuremberg Chronicle of 1494 is interwoven here with a stylised representation of the cathedral as it stands today. The scene is sensitively complemented by figures of angels taken from rare medieval paintings, which lend the work a profound spiritual dimension and a sense of heavenly protection. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in the 14th century by none other than the Czech King and later Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. The result is a magnificent architectural masterpiece, created by Europe’s greatest Gothic masters, whose construction and refinement spanned nearly six centuries. The cathedral is not only a breathtaking example of European architecture, with its characteristic pointed arches and famous ribbed vaulting, but also represents the sacred heart of Czech statehood. Within its stone walls lie the mausoleum of Czech monarchs, chapels dedicated to national saints, and a mysterious chamber where the precious royal coronation jewels are kept. Why choose this particular issue: Icon of Prague Castle: An absolute must-have for anyone who has visited Prague. The design captures the city’s most sought-after and significant historical building. Secrets of the Czech Kings: A work closely linked to the greatest monarchs in Czech history and the mystique surrounding the storage of the sacred crown jewels.