On Monday afternoon my group went to Prague Castle. The castle is famous as the site of the “Defenestration of Prague” which started the Thirty Years War. I didn’t see the spot where the Catholic messengers were thrown from the window, but I may look for it if I go back.
Our Czech liaison for AIPES knows someone who works in the president’s office and was able to arrange for us to tour the State Rooms. Apparently this is a privilege not available to all visitors, and even our Czech students had not been in this part of the castle before. After touring the State Rooms we met with a young, but high level staffer to the President of the Czech Republic. He had good English and was enjoyable to listen to.
It’s amazing to realize the history surrounding Prague Castle. It’s been the seat of government for Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents. Maria Theresa ruled here and was responsible for major renovations to the castle complex.
A building within the castle walls
Interior shots of the castle
The staffer who answered our questions
Also, I found the photo that I had mentioned in the Museum of Communism post of Hilter at Prague Castle, although this is not as clear as the one I saw.
