Despite it’s size, the Czech Republic boasts an amazing array of architectural design influences. This country is home to a staggering number of architecturally important historical sites, with UNESCO World Heritage membership on over 10 of these sites. Visiting the varied buildings and site within the Czech Republic, is very much taking an historical tour of the long, oft tumultuous history of the Czech Republic.
To investigate the oldest of historically preserved sites, one must step back into the middle ages, and the grand state of Bohemia, where the Slavic settlement through the West and South brought forth the Romanesque styles. While you may notice subtle differences between Romanesque styles in other place, and those you see in the Czech Republic, these differences are usually not very major, and are due entirely to environmental influences of the various locales. The stone manors and towers, and churches sans side aisles, as well as most well known, the large, vaulted basilica, such as that of St. Prokop all date back to the middle ages. In fact, the oldest church to be found in the entire Czech Republic, is an example of the Romanesque influence, and dates back to the earlier 1300’s.
Further influences that are found in the tapestry of the Czech Republic include the gothic styles, left by the Bohemian King, and Holy Roman Emperor, King Charles IV. King Charles the IV was quite active at having buildings erected during the High Gothic period, and his decrees saw to it that many new towns, sporting heartily fortified walls, as well as hills which sported castles, all of which were exceedingly difficult for an enemy to penetrate the defences of. One of the most famed builders, or architects, if you wish, during this time was Matyas of Arrasu. Probably the most prominent within public mind of these gothic sites is Pernstein, and Kost Castle, found within the Bohemian mountains, and contain historically preserved weapons as well.
On a more modern view, the architecture and design found in the 20th and 21st centuries in the Czech Republic seems to be as though the very foundation of their architecture and design is seeking itself a newer, updated look, in keeping with the frenetic pace of life around the world. It was from this that the art nouveau style, reaching it’s peak in all of Europe within Bohemia, was wrought. Other influences of modern styles of architecture an design found within the Czech Republic include cubism, a style which sees all objects and forms represented in varied geometric forms and shapes. To be certain, though varied, the Czech Republic’s architecture and design has gone from some of the most extensive history, through, and forges headfirst into the future.