Matthias Gate, Baroque gate at Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Description
Matthias Gate is a baroque entrance portal at Prague Castle featuring two stacked passages framed by sturdy sandstone pillars and elaborate sculptural details. The composition includes Wrestling Giants, an imperial eagle, and a crowned lion, all carved in stone to create a grand architectural statement.
History
Emperor Rudolf II commissioned the structure in 1614 through architect Giovanni Maria Filippi to serve as a grand entrance portal. King Matthias I subsequently modified it extensively, establishing the form we see today.
Culture
The gate is named after King Matthias I, who shaped its role in the 17th century as a symbol of imperial authority. Today it marks the threshold where visitors begin to explore the castle's different sections and historical layers.
Practical
The structure connects the first and second courtyards of the castle, serving as a main passage between different sections of the complex. Visitors should note this is a high-traffic area, especially during morning and early afternoon hours.
Did you know?
The sculptural elements visible today were recreated in the early 1900s by Čeněk Vosmík and Antonín Procházka, copying original Baroque carvings now stored in the National Museum Lapidarium. This replacement demonstrates how the gate has been renewed and restored across different eras.
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