The Architectural beauty in Prague
The Prague Architecture
Whether, you are a historian or an architecture lover, the capital Prague has so much to offer! The architecture in Prague is so rich in many styles. Many architectural styles from various historical periods meet there. The monuments are regularly being reconstructed. This is the reason, why they still look very preserved. We offer a private guide through the Architectural beauty in Prague for all Prague visitors who are interested. In this article, we will show you some of them.
Historicism – the Prague architecture
When we say Prague, the first thing that comes to your mind may be Wenceslas Square. Its main dominance is the National Museum at the top of the square. The museum was built in 1886-1891. It is a piece of historicism architectural style. This style started to be known in the 19th century. Later, it happened to be a centre of criticism for a certain reason. Some artists claimed that this style brings the architecture back to the past instead of the architectural modern progress. Some other examples of historicism are, for instance, the National Theatre or the Church of St. Ludmila at the Peace Square.
Gothic – the Prague architecture
Lots of famous and symbolic Prague monuments are built in a gothic style. You certainly have heard of Charles Bridge or Týn Church at Old Town Square. Known is also Dust Gate or a dominant of a Prague Castle, the St. Vitus Cathedral. These sights stood there even before the New Town was built. The gothic style was developed in France during the 12th century. The European countries started to construct in gothic style later, circa in the 13th-14th century. Typical of this style are pillars, rib vaults and high and majesty cathedrals. Gothic is a dominant architectural style in Prague.
Renaissance – the Prague architecture
Renaissance buildings are not that often in Prague. This style was firstly used in the 14th century and also in Paris. In Europe, renaissance buildings started to appear in the 15th-17th century. This style is very elegant. Typical are niches, regularity, columns and cupolas. It returns to Greece and Rome culture. In Prague, the examples of the renaissance are, for instance, The royal summer palace of Queen Anna from the 16th century. Some other example of Rennaissance in Prague is Ball Games Hall at the Prague Castle.
Baroque and Rococo – the Prague architecture
Neither baroque nor even rococo are not very often styles in Prague. However, you will find a few buildings of these types. Bourque started its era in the 17th century. Rococo followed in the 18th century. Buildings of these styles are very decorated. Baroque monuments were especially popular for a high class of society. They liked to decorate the monuments with gold. Baroque specimens were firstly used in the churches. Later, palaces and other buildings were designed and built in this style. A famous example of this architectural style is Loreta. Other examples are the Strahov Monastery and the Church of St. Mikuláš near the Malostranské Square.
Together the Italian Baroque and France styles create Rococo. A detailed art. Rococo architectural monuments are examples of masterpieces. Typical are spirals or even shells. Interior in the Rococo style is laboriously decorated with paintings and tapestries. The Prague example is the Archiepiscopal Palace in Hradčany. It is used nowadays as an actual residence of archbishops. The second example is Kinských Palace at Old Town Square.
Secession – the Prague architecture
Also, this type of architectural style has its place in Prague. Secession was favoured mostly by artists. In this style created, for instance, Czech painter Alfons Mucha. Creating art in the Secession type was a trend in the 19th and 20th centuries. The main purpose was to disclaim a modern style of life. In fact, to revive the art. Typical signs are an elegant woman with flowers and plants. Prague Secession represents Municipal House on Republika Square. Other examples are the Prague Main Station and Vinohradské Theatre.
Other Architectural beauty in Prague
Not only the mentioned architectural styles decorate Prague. Other styles you can see in Prague (to a lesser extent already) are Romance style, Classicism or Empire.
The tour takes about 2,5 hours for 85Euro for a group.
For other interesting tours with a private guide, check the list Walking Tours Prague. Visit also Art and Culture or Things to do in Prague category.
