Prague and the Prague Castle Under the First Habsburgs

The ascent of the Habsburgs to the Bohemian throne in 1526 marked a great change for the Czech Lands and for the city of Prague itself. The Renaissance brought by the Habsburgs meant not only the emergence of a new architectural style but also a new concept of life with a broad impact on everyday existence. These changes were conditioned to a significant extent by an influx of new residents from the newly established Habsburg Empire. Regarded as proficient and skilled builders, Italians made a major contribution to the building activities throughout the city. The architectural changes of Prague Castle are an ideal example. The fragmented late medieval buildings were transformed into an early modern form. This process was completed in the mid-seventeenth century. Contributing to the establishment of Mannerism were Dutch artists and scientists, many of whom were active at the imperial court of Rudolf II.