You are here:About>Home & Garden>Architecture
About.comArchitecture
Kafka's Prague
You don't have to believe in ghosts to be haunted by architecture.
Article by Jackie Craven

"Prague never lets you go... this dear little mother has sharp claws."

--Franz Kafka

The Archbishop's Palace in the
Prague Castle complex
Copyright © Jackie Craven

In a recent post in our discussion forum, reader John Q. Wimmer observed that "Prague Castle (Pratske Hrad) is truly a frightening and imposing profile against the 'medieval' Czechoslovakian night."

The castle which appears so foreboding in the Tom Cruise film, Mission Impossible has towered over the river Vltava for a thousand years. It is a part of the Hradcany royal complex, where Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo facades form startling juxtapositions.


What's
Spooky?
You tell us!

But it's not only Prague's castle that sends chills down my spine. The golden city in Czech Republic has a secret side which is both beautiful and eerie. At the turn of the century, Prague was home to the surrealist author, Franz Kafka. Its convoluted streets and unpredictable architecture are reflected in his bizarre, disturbing stories.

Join me now as we trace Kafka's footsteps >>

Is there a building haunting you? Tell us!

Text copyright © Jackie Craven

From Jackie Craven,
Your Guide to Architecture.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.