A member of The Arts Society
Prague - The City of the Winter Queen
Presented by Douglas Skeggs
The renowned art historian Douglas Skeggs gave an illustrated talk on Prague and its history, which was both educational, informative and amusing.
Prague is now the capital of the Czech Republic, but back in the 9th century it was the seat of the PÅ™emyslid Dynasty after Princess Libuše married a ploughman called PÅ™emysl. Together they formed the Dynasty which lasted for several decades. Princess Libuše predicted the growth of the city which later became Prague. Through the Middle Ages it became a centre of both trade and culture.
In the 14th Century the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV made Prague his Imperial Capital and oversaw a period of growth. Many of its famous buildings date back to that time including The Charles Bridge (1357) and St Vitus Cathedral. The latter was not completed until 1929 by Peter Parker.
Wenceslaus Square is named after Wenceslaus of Prague who was a pious ruler who was known for promoting Christianity (hence the well-known Christmas Carol).
However he did murder his mother and was later killed by his own brother!
Over the centuries, there have been many religious struggles and risings against the Catholics. Over the years there have been several ‘defenestrations’ resulting from these conflicts.
Jan Hus who was a lecturer at Charles University in Prague, a religious fanatic, was eventually executed by burning at the stake. There is also a memorial to him in the city.
Many outstanding buildings were erected in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, including Prague Castle and the Vladislav Hall (1493 to 1502). The famous Astronomical Clock was built over the years from 1410 to 1490. It is attributed to Jan Hanuš who, on its completion, was blinded so that he could not build another one like it. In revenge he disabled the clock, which could not be repaired for another hundred years.
Many scholars and artists were attracted to the city, especially during the 19th Century. BedÅ™ich Smetana composed Má vlast (My Country) in 1879 while living there.
Antonín DvoÅ™ák the Czech composer wrote his Symphony No 9 in E minor (from The New World) in 1893. His grave can be found in Prague.
Prague, the capital of The Czech Republic, is known as The City of a Hundred Spires - it is certainly a city worth visiting.
Member Sheila Gadsby
