Architecture - Prague and Czech Republic - page 92

Basilica of St George ( CLICK HERE )
RICHARD NEBESKY / LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©
Gothic
Romanesque evolved into Gothic architecture in the 13th and 14th centuries. This is
Prague's signature style, and is characterised by tall, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, ex-
ternal flying buttresses, and tall, narrow windows with intricate tracery supporting
massive stained glass.
Czech Gothic architecture flourished in the 14th century during the rule of Charles
IV, especially in the hands of architect Peter Parler (Petr Parléř), who was best known
for the eastern part of St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. Parler was also responsible
for the Gothic design of Charles Bridge and the Old Town Bridge Tower ( CLICK
HERE ) . Another master builder was Benedikt Rejt, whose finest legacy is the petal-
shaped vaulting of Vladislav Hall (1487-1500) in the Old Royal Palace ( CLICK
HERE ) at Prague Castle. The Old Town Hall ( CLICK HERE ) , with its Astronomical
Clock, dates from this period as well. Curiously, the golden tops that crown the many
Gothic steeples around town were not part of the original design, but were added in
the 19th century, when the craze of neo-Gothic swept the city and much of the rest of
Europe.