Within the heart of Prague lies a testament to medieval grandeur, the Prague Castle. With its origins dating back to the 9th century, the castle has been the epicentre of Czech history, serving as the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Its medieval interior is a marvel, showcasing the Gothic architecture that was prevalent during the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century.
The castle’s history is a tapestry woven with the threads of time. It began as a walled building, the Church of the Virgin Mary, and expanded to include the Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus under the reign of Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia, and his son St. Wenceslaus. The Romanesque palace erected in the 12th century was later transformed into a Gothic masterpiece, with the royal palace rebuilt for representation and housing.
Today, Prague Castle stands as the official residence and workplace of the president of the Czech Republic, continuing its legacy as a symbol of statehood and authority. It is also an important cultural and historical monument, housing the Crown Jewels, relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian relics, art treasures, and historical documents.
One of the most notorious events associated with Prague Castle is the act of defenestration, a specific technique of assassination that involves throwing someone out of a window. This term was coined around the time of an incident in 1618 at Prague Castle, which sparked the Thirty Years’ War. This act of defenestration is not only a historical event but also a symbol of the tumultuous and often violent shifts in power throughout the castle’s storied past.
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