Architecture Around the World

Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic
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Baroque style building

Cartouche flanked by putti holding wreathes

 

Baroque balustrade on balcony

Ancone with carved grotesque figures

Keystone

Fanlight

Gothic/Baroque wooden portal and surround

 

 

 

Carolinum / Karolinum

Carolinum / Karolinum

Carolinum / Karolinum

Carolinum / Karolinum

Gothic oriel window from 1370

Crockets decorate triangular pediment

Stained glass windows

 

Gargoyle

Gargoyle

Decorative wall pendant sculpture

Corbel with decorated buttressing


Founded by Emperor Charles IV on 7 April 1348. Being founded in 1347 - the first university in the Holy Roman Empire and in Central Europe, in general. It is the oldest university north of the Alps.

Its seal shows its protector Emperor Charles IV with his coats of arms as King of the Romans and King of Bohemia kneeling in front of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.

Carolinum

The rector's seat of Charles University since the 14th century, this Gothic building contains a large hall (the Old Great Hall), used today for special ceremonies such as graduations, and the Oriel Chapel which was rebuilt in baroque style in 1718. It was further renovated in the 1930s and in the 1950s after being badly damaged by the Nazis at the end of World War II.

Today the Charles University has facilities all over Prague and the Carolinum houses only some medical faculty offices, the University Club and occasional academic ceremonies.


Photos and their arrangement © 2008 Chuck LaChiusa
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