Six million people visit Prague Castle each year. Here is the story of how this ancient citadel was transformed after World War I from a neglected, run-down relic into the seat of power for independent Czechoslovakia?and the symbolic center of democratic postwar Europe. The restoration of Prague Castle was a collaboration of three remarkable figures in twentieth-century east central Europe: Tom ? Masaryk, the philosopher who became Czechoslovakia?s first president; his daughter Alice, a social worker trained in the settlement houses of Chicago who was founding director of the Czechoslovak Red Cross and her father?s trusted confidante; and the architect, Jo?e Ple?nik of Slovenia, who integrated reverence for Classical architecture into distinctly modern designs. Their shared vision saw the Castle not simply as a government building or historic landmark but as the sacred center of the new republic, even the new Europe?a place that would embody a different kind of democratic politics, rooted in the spiritual and the moral. With a biographer?s attention to detail, historian Bruce Berglund presents lively and intimate portraits of these three figures. At the same time, he also places them in the context of politics and culture in interwar Prague and the broader history of religion and secularization in modern Europe. Gracefully written and grounded in a wide array of sources, Castle and Cathedral in Modern Prague is an original and accessible study of how people at the center of Europe, in the early decades of the twentieth century, struggled with questions of morality, faith, loyalty, and skepticism.

This book takes a new approach to interwar Prague by addressing religion as an integral part of the city's cultural history. Berglund views Prague's cultural history in the broader context of religious change and secularization in 20th-century Europe. Based on detailed knowledge of sources, the monograph explores the interdisciplinary linkages between politics, architecture and theology in the building of symbolism and a "new mythology" of the first Czechoslovak republic (1918-1938). Berglunds text provides an important service for understanding both Czech history as well as current Czech political debate. The author's method can be characterized as culture history, able to connect several disciplines, emphasizing common topic (religion, politics, symbolics). Modern Czech elites, superficially characterized as "ateistic", appears in a new light to be deeply religious, a transition from more traditional, (mostly) Catholic religiosity, to a concept of a new, modern, ethical religion. The study incorporates biographical research, focusing on three principal characters: Tomás Garrigue Masaryk, Czechoslovakia's first president; his daughter Alice Garrigue Masaryková, founding director of the Czechoslovak Red Cross; and Joze Plecnik, the Slovenian architect who directed the renovations of Prague Castle.

Gleaming color photos and explanatory essays and captions document Prague's architectural crowning glory, the Prague Castle, or Hradcany, and its art treasures. Enclosed within the Castle's mighty walls are a large number of exceptional buildings, including the Royal Palace, St George's Basilica (dating from 1142), St. Vitus's Cathedral (begun in 1344 and completed in 1929), and the National Gallery which houses paintings and sculpture collected by the Czech rulers and nobility. Translated into English from the original 1992 publication (Motovun [Switzerland] Co-Publishing Co. Ltd.). Distributed by Rizzoli. 10.5x13" Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

❓ Are you tired of dull and uninspiring travel guides that just give you a list of facts and names? Do you want to truly experience the history and beauty of the places you visit? Look no further! Mateo Guide is here to solve that problem. ❗️Our guidebook is unlike any other you have seen before. It is filled not only with facts, but also with stories of the saints, rulers, and builders who shaped the places you'll visit. We've included descriptions of selected works of art, along with breathtaking photographs that will take your breath away. ⭕️ But that's not all! We've also designed our guidebook with a sleek and modern visual style that's easy to navigate, including on your smartphone screen. And the best part? Each attraction comes with an audio commentary (in Gold and Blue Edition) that will make you feel like you're walking through history with a knowledgeable friend. ❓ So why settle for a basic travel guide when you can have an immersive experience that will truly bring your travels to life? Don't miss out on the chance to make your travels unforgettable with our unique guidebook. Key Features: ✔️ Comprehensive information on the cathedral's history, architecture, and artwork ✔️ Biographies of builders and artists associated with the cathedral ✔️ More than 100 amazing photos that also show hidden or inaccessible treasures ✔️ Audio commentaries for a fully immersive experience ✔️ Sleek and modern design, optimised for easy access on your smartphone screen. ⚠️TIP: Would you rather take in the sights than pore over pages of a guidebook? Check out our audio versions - Gold and Blue Edition ⭕️ About St Vitus Cathedral St Vitus Cathedral is not just a church. It's a symbol of Czech history, culture, and art. It's a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, filled with stunning artwork and sacred relics. It's a place that has witnessed the coronations of kings and the burials of saints. It's a must-see destination for anyone visiting Prague. ❗️So why wait? Download our guidebook today and experience St. Vitus Cathedral like never before. With our help, you'll be able to fully appreciate the cathedral's rich history and stunning artistry. It's a journey you won't soon forget.

❓ Are you tired of dull and uninspiring travel guides that just give you a list of facts and names? Do you want to truly experience the history and beauty of the places you visit? Look no further! Mateo Guide is here to solve that problem. ❗️Our guidebook is unlike any other you have seen before. It is filled not only with facts, but also with stories of the saints, rulers, and builders who shaped the places you'll visit. We've included descriptions of selected works of art, along with breathtaking photographs that will take your breath away. ⭕️ But that's not all! We've also designed our guidebook with a sleek and modern visual style that's easy to navigate, including on your smartphone screen. And the best part? Each attraction comes with an audio commentary that will make you feel like you're walking through history with a knowledgeable friend. ❓ So why settle for a basic travel guide when you can have an immersive experience that will truly bring your travels to life? Don't miss out on the chance to make your travels unforgettable with our unique guidebook. Key Features: ✔️ Comprehensive information on the cathedral's history, architecture, and artwork ✔️ Biographies of builders and artists associated with the cathedral ✔️ More than 100 amazing photos that also show hidden or inaccessible treasures ✔️ Audio commentaries for a fully immersive experience ✔️ Sleek and modern design, optimised for easy access on your smartphone screen. ⚠️TIP: Don't need an audio guide? Check out our text version - Red Edition ⭕️ About St Vitus Cathedral St Vitus Cathedral is not just a church. It's a symbol of Czech history, culture, and art. It's a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, filled with stunning artwork and sacred relics. It's a place that has witnessed the coronations of kings and the burials of saints. It's a must-see destination for anyone visiting Prague. ❗️So why wait? Download our guidebook today and experience St. Vitus Cathedral like never before. With our help, you'll be able to fully appreciate the cathedral's rich history and stunning artistry. It's a journey you won't soon forget.

Discover Prague Castle Like Never Before! Our guide is a must-have for history and art enthusiasts. It goes beyond mere facts and figures, immersing you in the rich context that brings history to life. Meet rulers, architects, saints, and artists through captivating stories. But here's the best part – you don't have to read it all. Choose to listen and let your imagination roam as you admire the stunning visuals. With breathtaking photographs and insider tips, we'll take you to hidden gems and off-limits spots. Optimized for mobile viewing, our guide feels more like a sleek app than a traditional e-book. Embark on a sensory journey through Prague Castle's treasures with us. Whether you're drawn to beauty, architecture, history, or art, this guide is your perfect companion. Dive in and experience Prague Castle like never before! Key Features: ✔️ Biographies of saints, rulers, builders and artists associated with the Prague Castle ✔️ More than 120 amazing photos that also show hidden or inaccessible treasures ✔️ Audio commentaries for a fully immersive experience ✔️ Sleek and modern design, optimised for easy access on your smartphone screen. ⭕️ About Prague Castle Prague Castle is the most prominent Czech castle and originally an early medieval fort, perched on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River in the heart of Prague. Since the 9th century, it has served as the residence of Czech princes, later kings, and since 1918, the seat of the president of the Republic. Twice in history, it has become the main residence of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. ❓Did you know that Prague Castle is considered the largest castle complex in Europe and one of the largest in the world? ❓Did you know that the High Choir of St. Vitus Cathedral was the first net vaulting system on the European continent? ❓Did you know Vladislav Hall, located within Old Royal Palace, was one of the largest secular vaulted spaces in Europe at the time of its construction? ❓And did you know that the walls of St. Vitus Cathedral still contain the crown jewels of Czech kings? Find out all this and much more in our guide. This guide will introduce you to the three most significant buildings accessible to the public: St Vitus Cathedral, The Old Royal Palace, and St George's Basilica. We have also added a very attractive tourist place, such as the fabulous Golden Lane. ❗️So why wait? Download our guidebook today and experience Prague Castle like never before. With our help, you'll be able to fully appreciate the cathedral's rich history and stunning artistry. It's a journey you won't soon forget.