Matthias of Arras

Matthias of Arras, born in 1290 in the town of Arras, was a distinguished French architect whose legacy is most prominently marked by his contributions to the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. His journey as a master builder began when he was summoned to the city in 1344 by Charles IV, who sought his expertise to lead the ambitious project of the newly founded cathedral.

While Matthias's early life remains largely a mystery, his architectural prowess quickly became evident. He is also credited with the design of Karlstein Castle, although this attribution is not fully verified. Additionally, his involvement in the planning of the New Town of Prague adds to his enigmatic profile, though the extent of his contributions in this area is uncertain.

Tragically, Matthias's life was cut short when he passed away in Prague in 1352, before the completion of St. Vitus Cathedral. His untimely death led to the young Peter Parler, just twenty-three years old at the time, taking over as the master mason and chief architect, ensuring that Matthias's vision would eventually come to fruition.