Matthias Gate - Prague, Czech Republic
Posted by: 
ToRo61
N 50° 05.395 E 014° 23.926
33U E 456992 N 5548801
Matthias Gate is the ceremonial entrance gate to Prague Castle
Waymark Code: WM196JC
Location: Hlavní město Praha, Czechia
Date Posted: 12/08/2023
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We have been to the entrance metal gate to Prague Castle several times for the puzzle-waymarks. Apart from the sculptural decoration of the gate - the sculpture of the Giant - the gate impresses with its perfection and elaboration of details. This waymark shows the upper part of the gate decorated with a gilded crown. However, the puzzle bears the name Matthias gate and it is only the other massive brick gate that separates the 1st and 2nd castle courtyards.
"This imposing early Baroque gate forms the entrance from the first to the second castle courtyard. The gate was built at the beginning of the 17th century, apparently according to the plan of the Italian architect Giovanni Maria Filippi. It originally stood independently in the space between Castle Square and the Castle itself like an antique arc de triomphe and served as the entrance
to the seat of the kings. When Pacassi rebuilt the castle at the end of the 18th cenury, the Matthias Gate was connected to the newly built guildings via their wing’s façade. The gate was named after the Emperor Matthias II, recalling the inscription on the gate’s seal which names his ranks. Beneath this seal lies Matthias’ seal as emperor and beneath this, his country’s seals."
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The inscription above the gate reads:
D[ominus] Matthias El[ectus] Rom[anus] Imp[erator] S[emper] Aug[ustus] Hung[ariae] Boh[emiae] Rex etc. F[ieri] F[ecit] An[n]o MDCXIV
CZ: „Pan Matyáš zvolený rímský císar vždy rozmnožitel ríše, uherský, ceský král atd. dal udelat roku 1614“.
EN: "Mr. Matthias the elected Roman Emperor, always the multiplier of the Empire, King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, etc. had it done in 1614"