Thursday, June 25, 2015

Architectural tour of Prague

Today's sightseeing included a walking tour to Wenceslas Square and a visit to the historic Estates (Mozart) Theatre, followed by the medieval Town Hall and the Art-Nouveau Municipal House.

The Estates Theatre is one of the oldest European theaters operating continuously since its inauguration. It was constructed in 1781-1783 by the imperial court architect Anton Haffenecker for count Franz Anton Nostitz-Rieneck, the most important royal official in Bohemia. The theatre opened on 21st April of 1783 as "Count Nostitz" National Theatre." After being sold to the estates, the theatre was renamed "Estates Theatre" in 1798; it also carried other names before it was returned to this one in 1991. Mozart created two operas for Prague which premiered in this theatre: "Don Giovanni" (1787) and "La Clemenza ti Tito" (1791). In 1859, one story was added to the building and an extra gallery in the now higher auditorium; in 1882, the auditorium was redecorated in the present style. Since 1920, the Estates Theatre has been the second stage of the National Theatre.

The Old Town Hall consists of a complex of several Gothic Houses, gradually connected together. The most interesting evidence of the development of the whole town hall building are its historical interiors, originating from various periods. The most valuable monument and center of all the events of the past is the late Gothic council hall with the richly decorated wooden ceiling. From there, through the so called Mayor's lounge, the town hall Gothic Chapel from the 14th century is accessible, offering a view of the figures of the apostles. Jirikova Hall is named after the bust of king Jirl z Podebrad (made by Thomas Seidan in 1873). The hall was modified by architect Pavel Janak in the 1930s. Brozikova Hall taking up the height of two stories was modified to its present form by architect Josef Chochol in 1910. Originally it served as a meeting hall of the Prague assembly, today it is a ceremonial hall. Underground are the remains of the ancient city of Prague, complete with prisons and cellars.

The Royal Court used to be located on the site of the Municipal House. From 1383 until 1485 the King of Bohemia lived on the property. After 1485, it was abandoned. It was demolished in the early 20th century. Construction of the current building started in 1905. It opened in 1912. The building was designed by Osvald Polka and Anton Balsanek. The Municipal House was the location of The Czechoslovak declaration of Independence. The building is of the Art Nouveau architecture style. The building exterior has allegorical art and stucco. There is a mosaic called Homage to Prague by Karel Spillar over the entrance. On either side are allegorical sculpture groups representing The Degradation of the People and The Ressurection of the People by Ladislav Saloun. Smetana Hall serves as a concert hall and ballroom. It has a glass dome. There is artwork by Alfons Mucha, Jan Preistler and Max Svabinsky, too.





















No comments:

Post a Comment