Prague, Czechia: Two-Minute History

Prague isn’t just beautiful—it’s layered with centuries of history, culture, and resilience. Here are some highlights that shaped the city and the Czech Republic:

Fun Facts & Icons

• Prague Castle: One of the largest ancient castles in the world—a city within a city.
• Charles Bridge: Lined with statues, legends say your wish may come true if you touch one.
• Astronomical Clock: Built in the 15th century, it still performs its hourly “show” in Old Town Square.
• Vinarna Čertovka: A quirky alley so narrow it has traffic lights for pedestrians.

Early Roots (Pre-WWI)

• 12th century: Prague flourished as part of the Kingdom of Bohemia, under the Holy Roman Empire.

Golden Age & Upheaval

• 14th century: Under Charles IV, Prague entered its “golden age.” He founded Charles University (1348), built Charles Bridge, and made the city the empire’s capital.
• 15th century: Religious reformer Jan Hus was executed in 1415, sparking the Hussite Wars—decades of conflict that challenged Catholic dominance.

Habsburg Rule & Decline

• 1526: The Habsburg dynasty took control of Bohemia, tying Prague to the Austrian Empire.
• 1618: The Defenestration of Prague (literally throwing officials out a window) ignited the Thirty Years’ War, one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts.
• 1620: The Battle of White Mountain crushed Czech Protestant nobles, cementing Habsburg and Catholic dominance for centuries.
• 17th–18th centuries: Prague was transformed with grand Baroque architecture, exemplified by landmarks like St. Nicholas Church, even as its political influence diminished with Vienna’s rise as the Habsburg capital. Despite this, the city remained a vibrant cultural and architectural hub.

National Awakening

• 19th century: A Czech National Revival brought back the Czech language, literature, and music. Prague re-emerged as a cultural hub, laying the groundwork for future independence.

Modern Prague

• 1918: After World War I and the fall of Austria-Hungary, Czechs and Slovaks united to form Czechoslovakia. Philosopher Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk became the first president.
• 1938–45: Nazi Germany occupied the country; Prague saw devastation until liberation in 1945.
• 1948: The Communist Party seized power under Soviet influence.
• 1989: The Velvet Revolution peacefully ended communist rule. Playwright and dissident Václav Havel became president.
• 1993: Czechoslovakia split peacefully into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Culture & Economy

• Antonín Dvořák: Composer of the New World Symphony and Rusalka.
• Franz Kafka: Author of The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle.
• Economy: The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia (official short name since 2016), boasts a robust economy driven by manufacturing, notably Škoda Auto, as well as automotive industries and electronics. It relies on imports for raw materials and energy, while tourism, fueled by Prague’s global appeal, plays a significant role in economic growth.