Historic Background Of Prague

Prague, prior to the 9th century, was a fairly inconspicuous provincial town in East Europe. It then came to prominence under the ruler Prince Borivoj who was the first Christian ruler of the city and the grandfather of King Vaclav or Wenceslas, the patron saint of the country. Under Prince Borivoj and his successors, Prague became an important trading centre but it was only after 1306 once the dynasty ended that Prague’s golden period began. Under Charles IV of Luxembourg, a whole new town, Nové Mesto, was founded, and the entire face of Prague changed- to become one of the most important cities of 14th century Europe.

In 1415, the city saw religious turmoil, which broke out again during the early 1600s, during the time of Habsburg rule. Under the Habsburgs, Prague again became a nondescript town, but revived with the coming of the industrial revolution. By the end of World War II, Czechoslovakia had become a part of the East Bloc, and Prague’s attractions had become forbidden fruit for Westerners. In 1989, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the subsequent formation of the Czech Republic, Prague re-emerged as a tourist destination- and one that is attracting a greater number of visitors with every passing year.