Prague history

The history of Prague, one of the oldest and most magnificent cities in Central Europe, dates back centuries. Its formation is the result of a fortunate combination of geographical location, the political will of its rulers, and a vibrant cultural life.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although legend connects the founding of the city with a prophecy by Princess Libuše, historical facts place the origins of Prague at the end of the 9th century. During this time, on the left bank of the Vltava River, the Slavic Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty founded a fortress — the future Prague Castle. Soon after, in the 10th century, a second fortress, Vyšehrad, rose on the opposite bank. The space between these two fortifications began to be actively settled by artisans and merchants. One of the first written accounts of Prague was left by the Arab merchant Ibrahim ibn Yaqub in 965, describing it as a bustling city of trade built "of stone and lime."

Key Factors of Development

The growth and rise of Prague were driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: The city emerged at the intersection of Europe's key trade routes, and the Vltava River served as a vital transport artery.
• Trade: Already in the 11th and 12th centuries, Prague was a major commercial centre known far beyond the borders of Bohemia. The market square, located at the site of the modern Old Town Square, became the economic core of the city.
• Political Power: From the 10th century, Prague was the capital of the Přemyslid state, and from 1085, the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The "Golden Age" for the city was the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. Upon becoming the Holy Roman Emperor, he moved the capital to Prague, which gave a powerful impetus to its development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, Prague transformed into not only a political but also a cultural hub. In the 13th century, separate settlements such as Staré Město (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Lesser Town) received town privileges and were enclosed by walls. The era of Charles IV was marked by an unprecedented construction boom: the famous Charles Bridge was founded, the construction of the grand St. Vitus Cathedral began, and the New Town (Nové Město) was established. A pivotal event was the opening of Charles University in 1348 — the first in Central Europe, which secured Prague's status as a European educational centre.

Key Milestones in the History of Prague

Prague's history spans more than a thousand years, during which the city has journeyed from a small fortress to one of the cultural and political capitals of Europe. Here is a brief chronology of the most important events that shaped the appearance and spirit of modern Prague.

• Around 880 — Prague Castle is founded by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty, considered the moment of the city's inception.
• 973 — A bishopric is established in Prague, strengthening its status as an important religious centre of the region.
• 1231 — Staré Město (Old Town) receives town privileges, officially becoming the first of the Prague towns.
• 1344 — King Charles IV initiates the construction of the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which became a symbol of the city and the nation.
• 1348 — Charles University is founded, the first university in Central Europe, transforming Prague into a major educational hub.
• 1357 — The foundation stone of Charles Bridge is laid, one of the most famous and beautiful engineering structures of the Middle Ages.
• 1419 — The First Defenestration of Prague (throwing people out of windows) marks the beginning of the Hussite Wars — a prolonged religious and social conflict.
• 1583 — Emperor Rudolf II moves his residence to Prague, beginning the city's second "Golden Age," associated with the flourishing of science and art.
• 1618 — The Second Defenestration of Prague becomes the trigger for the start of the bloody Thirty Years' War in Europe.
• 1918 — Prague is proclaimed the capital of the newly formed Czechoslovak Republic following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• 1968 — The "Prague Spring," a period of political liberalisation, was interrupted by the entry of Warsaw Pact troops.
• 1989 — The "Velvet Revolution," a series of peaceful protests beginning on November 17, leads to the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
• 1993 — After the peaceful division of the country, Prague becomes the capital of the independent Czech Republic.

Main Stages of Prague's Development

The history of Prague is a succession of eras of prosperity and transformation, each leaving its unique mark on the city's appearance and character. The key milestones of its development defined its economic power, cultural richness, and the unique urban environment admired by millions today.

The "Golden Age" of Charles IV (14th Century)

This period was decisive in transforming Prague into one of the leading capitals of Europe. Upon becoming the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV launched a massive urban planning programme. The New Town (Nové Město) was founded, effectively doubling Prague's area, along with the famous Charles Bridge, and construction began on the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral. A crucial event was the founding of Charles University in 1348 — the first in Central Europe, securing the city's status as an intellectual and cultural centre.

The Era of Rudolf II (Late 16th – Early 17th Century)

The second "Golden Age" arrived when Emperor Rudolf II moved his residence to Prague Castle. The city filled with scholars, astronomers (including Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler), alchemists, and artists from all over Europe. This period was marked by a flourishing of science and art, turning Prague into a centre of European Mannerism and scientific inquiry. The presence of the imperial court contributed to economic growth and the development of crafts.

Industrial Revolution and National Revival (19th Century)

The 19th century brought fundamental changes. The Industrial Revolution began: factories and plants were built, and railways were laid, connecting Prague with Vienna and other major cities, giving a powerful boost to the economy. Simultaneously, the process of the Czech National Revival took place, symbols of which became the construction of the National Theatre and the National Museum. The city grew actively, new districts such as Karlín and Smíchov appeared, and the demolition of old fortification walls opened up space for further development.

Creation of Greater Prague (1922)

After Prague was proclaimed the capital of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918, the city needed to expand. On January 1, 1922, the law on the creation of "Greater Prague" was adopted, whereby 37 surrounding towns and villages, including Žižkov, Vinohrady, and Dejvice, were annexed to the historical centre. This administrative unification allowed for centralised management, the development of a unified development plan, and the transformation of Prague into a modern metropolis with a population of over 675,000 people.

The "Velvet Revolution" and Post-Communist Era (Post-1989)

The fall of the communist regime in 1989 opened a new chapter in the city's history. The transition to a market economy began, attracting foreign investment and leading to the rapid development of tourism, which became one of the key sectors of the economy. The historical centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underwent extensive restoration. Prague once again became an open, cosmopolitan city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Prague is a true open-air architectural museum, where buildings from vastly different eras coexist on narrow streets and spacious squares. A walk through the city transforms into a journey through a millennium of architectural history, from austere Romanesque rotundas to bold modern constructions.

Romanesque Style and Gothic: Shaping the Appearance

The earliest surviving structures in Prague date back to the Romanesque period (11th–13th centuries). These were massive stone structures with thick walls and small windows, reflecting turbulent times. A striking example is the Rotunda of St. Martin in Vyšehrad. However, the true appearance of medieval Prague was shaped by the Gothic style. In the 14th century, during the reign of Charles IV, the city experienced a construction boom. The majestic St. Vitus Cathedral with its soaring spires, the famous Charles Bridge adorned with sculptures, and the Church of Our Lady before Týn on Old Town Square — all these are masterpieces of Gothic architecture that defined the city's unique silhouette.

Renaissance and Baroque: Grandeur and Elegance

From the 16th century, the harmonious and secular Renaissance style penetrated Prague. Palaces appeared with facades painted in the sgraffito technique and elegant arcaded loggias, such as the Queen Anne's Summer Palace in the Royal Garden. But the city underwent a true "reconstruction" in the 17th and 18th centuries, when, after the Thirty Years' War, the lush and dynamic Baroque became the dominant style. Italian and local architects gave the city a new, theatrical look. The monumental St. Nicholas Church in the Lesser Town and numerous palaces, such as the Wallenstein Palace, became the embodiment of this style.

From Classicism to Art Nouveau: New Trends

The end of the 18th and the 19th century brought more restrained styles — Classicism and Empire. During this period, for example, the strict and elegant Estates Theatre was built. The second half of the 19th century was marked by the National Revival, reflected in the monumental Neo-Renaissance buildings of the National Museum and the National Theatre. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Prague was captivated by the exquisite and decorative Art Nouveau (Secession) style. Its symbol became the Municipal House — a building with luxurious interiors worked on by the best artists of the time, including Alphonse Mucha.

20th Century: Cubism, Functionalism, and Modernity

In the early 20th century, Prague became the only city in the world where the principles of Cubism were applied in architecture. Unique buildings with broken facets and crystalline forms appeared, the most famous of which is the House of the Black Madonna by architect Josef Gočár. In the 1920s and 30s, Functionalism prevailed with its strict lines and rejection of decoration, exemplified by the Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác). After decades of stagnation, in the late 20th century, the city opened up to bold architectural experiments again. The brightest symbol of the post-communist era became the "Dancing House" (1996) by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, which sparked heated debates with its deconstructivist form but eventually became an integral part of the Prague landscape.

Distinguished Personalities in Prague's History

For centuries, Prague has been a home and source of inspiration for many monarchs, reformers, writers, composers, and artists. Their activities not only defined the fate of the city but also left a deep imprint on world history and culture.

Charles IV (1316–1378)

King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, whose reign is called the "Golden Age" of Prague. He transformed the city into one of Europe's leading capitals, founding the first university in Central Europe in 1348, which bears his name. By his decree, the famous Charles Bridge, the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, and the New Town (Nové Město) were founded, significantly expanding Prague.

Jan Hus (c. 1369–1415)

A prominent theologian, preacher, and rector of Prague University. He was the ideologue of the Czech Reformation, speaking out against the practices of the Catholic Church at the time. His sermons in the Bethlehem Chapel gathered thousands of people. The execution of Jan Hus in 1415 sparked the Hussite Wars and made him a national hero of the Czech lands, a symbol of the struggle for truth.

Rudolf II (1552–1612)

Holy Roman Emperor who moved his residence to Prague Castle, initiating the city's second "Golden Age." He was a passionate patron of the arts, gathering prominent scientists, artists, and alchemists at his court, including astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. Under him, Prague became one of the main centres of European science and Mannerist art.

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)

One of the most famous Czech composers in the world and a bright representative of Romanticism in music. A graduate and professor of the Prague Conservatory, he glorified Czech culture with his symphonies, operas (including the famous "Rusalka"), and "Slavonic Dances." His work is deeply connected with the folk motifs of Bohemia and Moravia.

Franz Kafka (1883–1924)

A German-speaking writer born in Prague, where he lived most of his life. His works, such as "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial," are permeated with an atmosphere of absurdity and alienation, which many associate with the mystical spirit of the old city. Although fame came to him posthumously, today Kafka is one of the main literary symbols of Prague.

Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939)

A world-renowned artist and designer, one of the brightest representatives of the Art Nouveau style. Although he achieved fame in Paris, Mucha returned to his homeland, where he created the monumental cycle "The Slav Epic" and worked on the design of the first Czechoslovak banknotes and postage stamps. His exquisite style became an integral part of Prague's appearance at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Jaroslav Hašek (1883–1923)

A satirist writer who gave the world one of the most famous literary characters — the Good Soldier Švejk. His novel "The Good Soldier Švejk" is the pinnacle of Czech satirical prose and has been translated into dozens of languages. Hašek's life and work are inextricably linked with Prague's social gathering spots and streets.

Václav Havel (1936–2011)

A prominent playwright, dissident, and human rights activist who became the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the independent Czech Republic. He was a key figure in the "Velvet Revolution" of 1989, symbolising the country's peaceful transition to democracy. Prague's international airport is named in his honour.