Great landmarks of Prague; Prague Castle
July 31st 2008 08:58
Prague Castle from across the Vltava
If not its most famous landmark, Prague Castle is certainly the Czech capital’s most eye-catching and impressive. Set on a commanding hilltop overlooking the Vltava River, it dominates the city skyline. The castle’s1100 year history is closely linked to the long and fascinating story of the evolution of the Czech Republic. It is also a monument to a thousand years of magnificent European architecture.
A corner of Prague Castle
The original castle was commissioned by Borivoj first King of the Premyslids, the Czech Republic's founding dynasty. Constructed entirely from timber and fortified with earthen ramparts, it included a palace, three churches and monastery. Its area, according to archeologists, was equal to today’s castle complex.
St Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle
As it passed down through the centuries and through successive dynasties, Prague Castle was reconstructed, re-modelled or renovated in the style of the time and with stamp of the current ruler.
A Romanesque corner of Prague Castle
In the 13th century King Wenceslas rebuilt it in the Romanesque style.
The inner courtyard at Prague Castle
Charles IV, of the Luxembourg Dynasty, transformed it into a Gothic castle in the 14th century.
Prague Castle gates
Under King Vladislav of the 15th century Jagiello line, it was Neo Gothic.
The fountain at Prague Castle
In 1541 the castle was almost razed by fire. The Hapsburgh Emperor Rudolph II, brought it back to life as a Renaissance castle, a centre of Science and scholarship and a showcase for the arts.
The main courtyard at Prague Castle
In the late 18th century, under the Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa, it was re-born as a Baroque castle and has remained so ever since.
The home of the Czech President
Since 1918, Prague Castle has been the official residence of the Presidents of the Czech Republic. Although re-construction has been necessary to repair and maintain the castle over the years, no ruling power, since the demise of the great dynasties, has been moved to take it through another iteration, or to mark it, at least not indelibly with their stamp.
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