Prague became a major European center for politics, commerce and art in the second half of the 14th century under the rule of the last of the Luxemburgs. The traditional seat of Bohemian kings was transformed nearly overnight into a vibrant city, a meeting place of different cultures and religions. Charles IV turned Prague into the proud residence of the continent’s most powerful ruler - the Holy Roman emperor, a city with spiritual wealth to match that of Rome.

    Prague imperial court was a meeting place for the finest painters, sculptors, goldsmiths and architects. The art of imperial Prague became a phenomenon that radiated throughout Europe’s royal and ecclesiastical courts.

    Charles was educated at the   French royal court. There he married his first wife  Blanche of Valois (1317-1348) and established important political connections that served him well throughout his life. From  Paris he was sent to Tuscany, where he gained substantial diplomatic and battle experience. He arrived to his native Bohemia in 1333. He re-married three more times, and more importantly, elevated Prague higher in its international significance than it has ever been before or after.