Emperor By The Grace Of God

21 April 2006, 20:28 - Culture
Charles IV - Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor in the second half of the 14th century. Probably one the most important persons in the Prague's history. You can see evidence of his presence almost on every city corner - just walk through the center.

The Charles bridge is without any doubt the most remarkable monument that evokes his reminiscence. The bridge, crowded all 365 days a year, reminds the Emperor's shrewdness. The legend says that he ordered to mix thousands of eggs into the bridge foundations to make it stronger. Maybe this is the answer to question why the bridge survived centuries.

After Charles IV moved to Prague, the town became the residence of the continent's most powerful ruler. He multiplied the significance not only of the town itself, but of the entire Bohemia. You find vestiges of the Emperor throughout the country. Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary), Karlštejn and other places.

The joint cooperation of Prague Castle and The Metropolitan Museum of New York now resulted in a common project that presents the life of the Charles IV and his sons.

Current exhibition Charles IV - Emperor by the grace of God is now one of the greatest events in Prague this year. It displays the most important artworks from the reign of Luxemburgs in 14th century. Most of them have been borrowed from almost hundred collections in galleries across the world.

The exhibition moved to Prague from New York City where it was held at the end of the last year. You can visit it on the Prague Castle till 21 May 2006. However, there has been great interest among public, so all the tickets are sold out now. You can test your luck and try to ask for returned tickets at ticket offices at the Castle.

Or visit some of the accompanying events. You can choose from many of them, for instance Medieval Cathedral on St Vithus Cathedral (which is on the 3rd countryard of the Castle) or the permanent exhibition The Story of Prague Castle. Chilren groups can visit theatres and workshops related to the Charles IV era.

For full list of accompanying events check the exhibition official homepage.