Have you ever stood in awe of a church crafted from sandstone, a structure that embodies both the grandeur of the Baroque and the grace of the Renaissance? Look at the Holy Saviour; its facade is a masterpiece, a harmonious blend of styles, and the result of a complex history that spans centuries. It began as a Gothic church, built for the Dominican order, but then fell victim to the ravages of war. In the 16th century, the Jesuits arrived and decided to build a new church on the ruins of the old one. This was no ordinary church; it was to be a symbol of their power and influence. Carlo Lurago, a master of the Baroque style, was commissioned to design the facade. With its three arched arcades reminiscent of Roman triumphal arches, it’s a showstopper. The church’s towers were modified and raised by architect Frantisek Maximilian Kanka, adding to its impressive stature. And then there’s the dome, a false dome, cunningly crafted to create an illusion of soaring height. This ingenious design trick was implemented due to the weight of the original stucco decoration, which was deemed too heavy for the structure. So, if you are ever in Prague, take the time to step into the Holy Saviour; it’s not just a place of worship; it’s a testament to the creative spirit of the human kind.
Dolní Břežany
Could this grand Renaissance castle have once been a humble medieval fortress? It’s true! This is Dolní Břežany, dominated by