Art and History of Prague [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION ((rj-fhe Magical City", "The Golden City", "The I City of a Hundred Towers", the "Paris of the i East": these are just some of the most common definitions adopted by popular tourist publications when describing Prague, a city of around 1,200,000 inhabitants and, since 1st January 1993, capital of the Czech Republic, as well as capital of central Bohemia. The city offers a wealth of architectural, artistic and cultural treasures, and possesses an individual charm: buildings everywhere are of pleasing architectural form and proportional harmony, with close attention to ornamental detail. It lies proudly along the banks of the River Vltava (also know as the Moldau), amid the gentle surroundings of the hills which characterise this part of Bohemia. Prague has been a melting-pot of ethnic groups since ancient times, existing by combining Czech elements with Jewish and German ones, and allowing the development of religious movements, trade and commerce, and industry, thanks to its favourable geographic position on the communication routes between Central and Eastern Europe, and between the North and South of the vast German and Slavonic area. A jealous keeper of its mysteries, the city is reluctant to reveal itself to the curiosity of those wanting to unearth the secrets of the alchemists of the past. The birthplace or one time residence of many famous people, such as the astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, the Dientzenhofers, Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonin Dvorak, Bedirich Smetana, Jaroslav Hasek, Franz Kafka, Charles IV, Jan Hus, St John Nepomuk, and many other illustrious figures, the city bears witness to cultures and civilisations from all over the world. Over the centuries it has survived wars and disasters. Only in 1968 were the tanks of the Warsaw Pact able to defeat its rebellious nature: the people's and the nation's thirst for freedom was satisfied 20 years after Jan Palach had been engulfed by flames, making him the martyr of a shattered "Spring". Thefirst settlements on the site of the modern city date back to Neolithic times, and fortified settlements were first recorded in the 9th century. Primitive centres joined together around the fortresses of Hradcany and Vysehrad between the 9th and 10th centuries, and from that time onwards the Pfemysl made this the most important castle in Bohemia. As a result it became the focal point for the activities of craftsmen and merchants, attracting mainly Jews and Germans. Having become a Bishop's See in 973, Prague obtained city status between 1232 and 1235. Charles IV then made it the capital of the Empire, founding the University here A night time view of the Charles Bridge, Maid Strana and the majestic Pragtie Castle dominating the city. Prague is also known for the magic of the Moldaii and the many bridges Unking the two parts of the city which have inspired ai'tists and awed visitors through the centnries. The Uvely and biiStUng Charles Bridge is the most famous and connects the Stare Mesto and Maid Strana districts. A boat ride along the Moldau is an ideal way to enjoy the sights and beauties of the city in summer or winter. in 1348 and preparing the ground for large scale urban development. In 1419 the followers of Zelivsky freed the Hussites held prisoner in the New Town Hall, and threw out the Catholic counsellors. This marked the beginning of a long period of religious conflict. In fact, the ascension of the Habsburgs in 1526 marked the decline of Prague, and this became even more marked after the failure of the revolt against the Viennese sovereigns in 1547. While having suffered limitations to its autonomy and the loss of its Court, which had been transferred to Vienna, the city underwent a brief period of revival under Rudolph II who settled here between 1583-1610, and who also contributed to the Germanisation of the city. The Czech revolt of 1618, which began with the "Second Prague Defenestration", led to the Thirty Years' War. Following its defeat in the Battle of White Mountain (8th Nov 1620) Prague entered a period of deep decline from all points of view: the wave of middle-class emigration in the first lialf