Public lighting in Prague has its beginnings as far back as the 14th century. It evolved from fires in iron pans to torches (during the time of Rudolf II), oil lamps (early 18th century), gas lamps (1847–1985, reintroduced since 2002), and finally to electric lighting (late 19th century), which underwent developments from incandescent bulbs to discharge lamps and, in some cases, LED lights. In the early 20th century, Prague had approximately 135,000 public lighting fixtures, with fewer than 700 gas lamps remaining in 2014.
The first 200 gas lamps in Prague's streets were ceremoniously lit on September 15, 1847. In the 1940s, there were around 10,000 gas lamps in Prague, and by 1940, there were 9,362 gas lamps.
However, since the late 19th century, gas lighting was gradually supplemented and replaced by electric lighting. In April 1985, the last lamps fueled by gas were converted to electricity, specifically the lamp posts on Hradcanské Square and Loretánská Street.
From 2002 to 2012, gas lighting was restored along the Royal Route, using replicas of historical lamp posts and lanterns.
"The Estates Theatre is one of the most beautiful historical theatre buildings in Europe.
The Estates Theatre is deeply linked with the name of W. A. Mozart. Besides other of his works, it was the venue of world premieres of two Mozart operas: Don Giovanni (on 29 October 1787 – conducted by the composer himself) and La clemenza di Tito (1791, to mark the coronation of Leopold II).
Enjoy the festive atmosphere of this beautiful theatre in which W. A. Mozart received enthusiastic ovations after conducting his operas. The Estates Theatre is in operation continuously since 1783.
It was built by enlightened and patriotically minded Count Nostitz Rieneck, who thus aimed to enhance the cultural life of Prague inhabitans.
His idea, that a generally accessible theatre is a moral institution demonstrating the cultural level of the nation, was in compliance with the spirit of the late 18th century, the Age of Enlightenment, and the project of theatre was extremely important for Prague of that time.
Although presenting plays in German language at first, the theatre soon started staging also Czech plays. In 1798 the Theatre was bought by the Czech Estates, hence its today´s name."
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