Schmap Prague Historical Background

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Prague - Historical Background
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The Czech Republic is a Central European country (consisting of the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia), which has been inhabited since some of the earliest days of human settlement in Europe.

It was in the 5th century AD that the forefathers of its present inhabitants settled in the region and around the year 868 AD that Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid family became ruler - his dynasty laying the foundation of the Czech state. In around 870 AD, Prague Castle was built atop a hill overlooking the Vltava river.

Duke Wenceslas

Perhaps the most famous early ruler was the Catholic Duke Wenceslas I (903-935 AD), who became the Patron Saint of Bohemia but who is more well known today as the subject of a Christmas carol.

With the death of Wenceslas III in 1306, the Premyslid dynasty was succeeded in 1310 by the House of Luxemburg and in 1346, Charles IV became the Czech King. Being Holy Roman Emperor, Charles made Prague his capital, building many great buildings including St Vitus Cathedral and Hradcany Castle, as well as establishing Charles University - the first University in Central Europe. After Charles' death, came the Hussite Wars which meant 15 years of religious conflict.

Continuing Wars

In 1526, the Hapsburg dynasty succeeded to the throne but this only resulted in further conflicts including the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) that resulted in the death of an estimated third of the country's population, and a decline in the usage and spread of the Czech language.

However, in the period 1784-1848, there was, despite the efforts of the Hapsburgs, a revival of the Czech nation: the language was standardised, the Industrial Revolution arrived and many great Czech leaders emerged such as Frantisek Palacky.

After WWI

After the Great War in Europe in 1918, the Allies were persuaded to declare a new state of Czechoslovakia comprising Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia and Slovakia. However, under the Munich Agreement in 1938, the British and other European powers agreed to the annexation of Czech territories by the Germans under Adolf Hitler. After the Nazi domination during the Second World War (1939-1945), the Czechs then found themselves under Communist control as Soviet troops swept into the country in May 1945.

After WWII

Elections were held in 1946 with the communists winning 38% of the vote, and in 1948 they seized power under Klement Gottwald with the support of the Soviet Union, virtually eliminating all opposition. All land and industry was nationalised with the aim of making Czechoslovakia a supplier of heavy industrial equipment and arms to the Eastern Bloc.

Unhappy with the depressed state of the country, a new Communist party was formed under the leadership of Alexander Dubcek who tried to establish socialism with a human face in what is now known as the Prague Spring. In August 1968 however, the Soviet Union and its allies invaded the country resulting in an even more depressed state which lasted for a further 21 years - economic reforms were reversed and over a half million Party members were expelled.

Political Changes

After the momentous events of late 1989 within the Soviet Bloc, police violence against a legal student demonstration in Prague in November that year (the masakr, as it became known) heralded the fall of Communism in Czechoslovakia. On the 28th of December, Mr Dubcek became Chairman of the Federal Assembly, and the next day, Vaclav Havel, a leading Czech writer and playwright, became President. A coalition government was formed in June 1990 and, after three years of debate and argument with the main Slovak parties, Parliament gave the required 3/5 majority to terminate the Federation. On January 1, 1993, the Czech and Slovak Republics went their separate ways.

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Church of Our Lady before Tyn

A dominating presence on Old Town Square

Celetna 5
Prague 11000
Czech Republic
+420 6 0230 6186
http://tynska.farnost.cz

This fairy tale Gothic church with its twin towers is an Old Town landmark, and its ominous presence has dominated the square for centuries. Most noteworthy on the inside is the tomb of Rudolf II's personal astronomer, Tycho Brahe. When lit up at night, it adds to the "magic Prague" effect the city has on many visitors. Work on the church began in the first half of the 14th century but it was not until the end of the 16th century that it was completed. Its 80-meter towers topped by four small spires were customary during the reign of Emperor Charles IV.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Church of Our Lady before Tyn photo by Stephanie Giacoletto

Photo: Stephanie Giacoletto

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Photo: Seth Rudy

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Photo: Cory George

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Photo: Barry Leiba

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Photo: Anna Scott

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Photo: TwoCrabs

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Photo: Lisa Cooper

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Photo: Larina

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Photo: K. Bruyette

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Photo: Tony Ruscoe

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Photo: Ben Woodward

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Photo: James Lacey

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Photo: Matthew Hogge

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Photo: james.9t6

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Photo: Erik Wilson

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Photo: Viljar Sepp

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Photo: joey lee

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Photo: Melinda van den Brink

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Photo: Carolyn Hartmann

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Photo: Katie Fitter

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Photo: Mark Feetham (feets)

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Photo: William C. Sain

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Photo: Bobby

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Photo: Sara Baier

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Photo: Goalee39

Church of Our Lady before Tyn photo by Pei Lin Hoe

Photo: Pei Lin Hoe

Jewish Ceremonial Hall

Tradition & History Stareho hrbitova 3a
Prague 16000
Czech Republic
+420 221 711 511
http://www.jewishmuseum.cz/en/... This Ceremonial Hall is one of only a few original buildings from Prague's old Jewish Quarter. This pseudo-Romanesque style building was used for various religious services and ceremonies, as well as a mortuary. On the ground and upper floors of the Hall, the permanent exhibition of Jewish Customs and Traditions is housed.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Rick Martindale
Photo: Raghav Subbarao

Karolinum

Part of Charles University Železná 9
Prague 11000
Czech Republic
+420 2 2449 1111 (Charles University)
http://www.cuni.cz The rector's seat of Charles University since the 14th century, this Gothic building contains a large hall (the Old Great Hall), used today for special ceremonies such as graduations, and the Oriel Chapel which was rebuilt in baroque style in 1718. It was further renovated in the 1930s and in the 1950s after being badly damaged by the Nazis at the end of World War II. Visitors should note that the vaulted labyrinth at street level contains an art gallery and is open daily.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Capone~

Mihulka - The Powder Tower

Part of the castle fortifications Hradcanské námestí
Prague 11800
Czech Republic
+420 2 2437 3368 (Information)
http://www.hrad.cz By the side of St Vitus Cathedral, this round artillery bastion was part of the castle fortifications and served as a workshop for gunsmiths and an alchemist in the 16th century. There is a permanent exhibition of medieval arts and crafts, astrology and alchemy. For lovers of the Medieval Age, it is a rewarding visit for its surprisingly broad scope considering the brevity of its collection. Although being a main tourist attraction at the Castle, it is often overlooked by those heading straight for the views of the city below.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock

Convergence point for tourists Staromestské námestí
Prague 11000
Czech Republic
+420 2 2448 2751 This is the vortex of tourist activity in Prague, whether it be to catch a glimpse of the clock's elusive statuettes, check out one of the town hall's exhibitions or climb the tower. It was in 1338, during the reign of King John of Luxembourg (1310-1346), that work began on the building of a town hall. The oldest parts of this complex of buildings are the Gothic sections and the tower. In May 1945, the Nazis set fire to the building as their last act during the occupation, but most of the damage has been repaired. The clock originated from the beginning of the 15th century and, every hour, the Twelve Apostles (added in 1490) move across just above the clock face, bowing to the crowd on the square. Finally, the clock strikes the hour.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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St Nicholas Church

Enjoy the splendor of baroque Malostranské Námestí
Prague 11800
Czech Republic
+420 2 2171 4444 (Tourist Information) The most magnificent baroque building in Prague, its construction was finished in 1756, and features a dominant cupola and bell tower, as well as one of the largest paintings in Europe depicting St Nicholas in various guises which you'll find in the nave. On one of his visits to Prague, W. A. Mozart played the organ at the church and there are now frequent lunchtime and eventide recitals of his music.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Wallenstein Palace and Garden

Early baroque era attraction Valdštejnské námestí 3
Prague 11800
Czech Republic
+420 2 2171 4444 (Tourist Information Center) A baroque-style palace and garden setting named after Albrecht von Wallenstein, an important Hapsburg military commander. Built between 1624 and 1630, this was one of the first buildings of its architectural era in Prague. There is more to this site then simply an old building. Within the walls one can find the Avenue of Sculptures, a small pond and an old riding school, which now houses exhibitions of modern art by the national gallery. There is also an exquisitely manicured garden in period style, but is only open during the summer months.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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