Renaissance Architecture

Renaissance was introduced to the Czech Republic in 1492 and gradually declined until the beginning of the 17th century. Mainly from architects, construction workers, stonemasons, cement craftsmen, etc. who settled in Prague during the war.

Unfortunately, the Renaissance-style architecture is not so lucky in Prague. Due to the strong Gothic tradition of the Czech Republic at the time, the influence of the Renaissance style dwarfed this trend and was usually limited to religious buildings.

The decisive moment in the development of the Prague Renaissance style was in 1526, when the Czech territory was incorporated into the Habsburg Empire. Královský letohrádek (The Queen’s Summer Palace) is the only pure Renaissance-style building in Prague. It is located in the Royal Garden and was built by Ferdinand I. for his wife, Anna. Queen Anne Summer Palace is even considered to be the only pure Renaissance style (Italian Renaissance) building north of the Alps.

During Rudolf II. (Rudolf II), Prague experienced another period of meaningful prosperity. Due to the threat of the Turks in Vienna, the traditional imperial center of Habsburg, Rudolf II gradually moved to Prague, making Prague the second power center of the Habsburg Empire. Prague flourished under the rule of Rudolf II, and many famous artists and scientists came to Prague. From the architectural point of view, the most important building of this period is the Spanish hall in Prague Castle.