Charles IV and his Golden Age During the epoch of the Czech king and emperor Charles IV(1346 – 1378) Prague had flourished. It is said, that Charles IV was very intelligent and educated, therefore lead the Czech land to the top of economic and cultural bloom. Prague was promoted to emperor residence, and political centre of Europe. In the start of his reign, in 1348, founded High school – The Charles university, where came youth of all Europe. He also founded first Student College – Carolinum (1366). Charles IV established the New Town. He appointed Matyas from Arras to conduct the built of cathedral of Saint Vitus in the style of top Gothic, which was finished by Petr Parler. Petr Parler conduct other magnifies buildings such as are Bridge Tower, Tyn church, church of All Saints. Charles was initiator of building of the Charles Bridge, which replaced Judith bridges (swept away by the flood) The Charles bridge measures 520 meters, had no sculptures in the time of its building and is work of builder Petr Parler. Charles IV founded castle Carlstejn, which is near Prague upon river Berounka and which preserved Crown Jewell and relics collection. Carlstejn castle is also often-visited place.
Hussite Cleric Jan Hus was one of the first preachers, who show the contradiction, of the Church, who lived other way than they preached. That was the reason why arose Hussite wars. Jan Zizka lead Hussite into the war for the Right and Faith and used all his skills and power. He never lost a battle and had become a symbol of indomitable of the Czech nation. Hussite used uncommon strategy - wagons laid as barriers. Their other guns were made of simply farming tools. Most of Hussite were people from the country – farmers and middle nobility. Only few of them could use real guns such as sword and pikes are. Therefore they adapted common tools, they knew, for war. Hussite used shotguns, but the main Hussite gun was their Faith. Contradiction between Hussite was the reasons of non-unity and in 1343 Hussites lost in battle at Lipany. After than George of Podebrady become next Czech king.
Rudolph II Czech king and Emperor Rudolph II was the 45th ruler in the history of Czech land. He moved his emperor residence from Wienna to Prague in 1583 and Prague had become the centre of the imperial politics, and the centre of the culture and science life. Rudolph II himself was very educated and intelligent and he enjoyed science and arts. During his epoch, the Renaissance reached Prague so flourished especially art of painting, astronomy, astrology and alchemists. Names such as Tycho de Brahe, Kepler, Hájek, Hans von Aachen, Giuseppe Arcimbloldo were guests of the emperor court of Rudolph II. In that time Rudolph II founded his famous collection of Arts. There were created buildings and monuments: Belvedere (called The Royal Summer Palace of Queen Anne as well). There is famous Singing Fountain-drops of water make music, in the garden. The Royal Garden-the garden was built in 1534 and embellished during the time of Rudolf II and Ball Hall is its part. Golden Lane - Little houses from the 16th century, behind the St. George’s Basilica, where used to live emperor’s alchemists. Rabbi Jehuda Löw ben Becael was said that invented an artificial man – called Golem, who is still hidden on the field on the Old –New Synagogue, by the legend. Rudolph was more interested in science and arts then in politics so it led to revolts and his brother Matthias took the reign. Rudolph II issued Majestat in 1609 - free faith of Czech non-Catholic walks. Rudolph II is buried in a tomb in the St. Vitus Cathedral.
The Baroque in Prague Czech walks rebellion still went on so in 1619 Habsburg Emperor Ferdinand II was deposed and his place took Czech King Fredrick. In 1620 rebels paid for their defiance and at the battle on the White Mountain. Started the Thirty year ´s war, the Czech Nation was Germanised and persecuted non-Catholics. The Jesuits restored lost Catholic faith back. They renovated some churches in nice Baroque style and arose other Baroque buildings: The Library in the Strahov Monastery contains an early Baroque Theological Hall, Valdstejn Palace, Church of St. Nicolas. Cernin Palace - this early Baroque palace, now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Loretta - the tower contains 27 Loretta bells, which play the Song of Our Lady. 30 sculptures made by Matthias Braun and F.M.Brokof were added to the Charles Bridge.
The National Revival The Austrian hegemony in the Czech was too long, with the result -general decline of the Czech culture and language. In the last quarter of 18th century, during the reign of Maria Teresa, Czech was allowed to re-discover history, culture and language. Maria Teresa started a period of reforms so Czech language become the official one and Czech revivals restored old traditions and culture. In 1784 independent town joined to one unit (The Hradcany, The Lesser Town, The Old Town, The New Town). Buildings for public were founded such as The National theatre, the National Museum, Rudolpinum. Some famous revivals were J.K.Tyl, (whose song has become the Czech state hymn)F.Palacky (historian), J.Neruda(writer), B.Nemcova, K.Svetla. The National revival was reflected in all areas of life. In the beginning of 20th century the art Nouveau has arrived to Prague, which reflected not only in arts of painting but in architecture. Alfons Mucha is the main representative of the Art of Nouveau. The flourish of the Czech national pride continued till the Czech independence in 1918.
