EAA2020: Abstract
Abstract is part of session #252:
Title & Content
Title:
Prague and Prague Castle under the first Habsburgs
Content:
The ascent of the Habsburgs to the Bohemian throne in 1526 marked a great change for the Czech Lands and for the city of Prague itself. The Renaissance brought by the Habsburgs meant not only the emergence of a new architectural style but also a new concept of life with a broad impact on everyday existence. These changes were conditioned to a significant extent by an influx of new residents from the newly established Habsburg Empire.
The new lifestyle was most apparent in the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia – Prague, whose dominant landmark, Prague Castle, was rebuilt with contributions from foreign builders into a modern and representative residence. The unused land immediately north of the Castle was incorporated into the complex by means of a wooden bridge, and this area became home to the vast Royal Gardens with free space for grand architectural projects. The extensive blaze that struck the right-bank Prague quarters of the Lesser Town and Hradčany in 1541 became a genuine catalyser for the intensive arrival of the Renaissance in the entire city. The now-vacant and often combined parcels of the fire-ravaged medieval houses induced feverish building activity among aristocratic families. The construction of urban palaces in the 1540s and 1550s transformed the face of Prague and spelled the absolute victory of the Renaissance style. The arrival of foreigners is closely tied to the elevation of Prague to the imperial residential city under Emperor Rudolf II. Regarded as proficient and skilled builders, Italians made a major contribution to the building activities throughout the city. The transformation process of medieval Gothic Prague into an Early Modern agglomeration was completed in the mid-17th century.
The new lifestyle was most apparent in the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia – Prague, whose dominant landmark, Prague Castle, was rebuilt with contributions from foreign builders into a modern and representative residence. The unused land immediately north of the Castle was incorporated into the complex by means of a wooden bridge, and this area became home to the vast Royal Gardens with free space for grand architectural projects. The extensive blaze that struck the right-bank Prague quarters of the Lesser Town and Hradčany in 1541 became a genuine catalyser for the intensive arrival of the Renaissance in the entire city. The now-vacant and often combined parcels of the fire-ravaged medieval houses induced feverish building activity among aristocratic families. The construction of urban palaces in the 1540s and 1550s transformed the face of Prague and spelled the absolute victory of the Renaissance style. The arrival of foreigners is closely tied to the elevation of Prague to the imperial residential city under Emperor Rudolf II. Regarded as proficient and skilled builders, Italians made a major contribution to the building activities throughout the city. The transformation process of medieval Gothic Prague into an Early Modern agglomeration was completed in the mid-17th century.
Keywords:
Prague, Prague Castle, Habsburg, Renaissance style
Downloads:
authors
Main authors:
Gabriela Blažková1
Co-author:
Affiliations:
1 AU - Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic