Welcome introduction. 729 delegates 410 submitted abstracts 59 oral presenations 3 symposia.

Welcome introduction

• 729 delegates

• 410 submitted abstracts

• 59 oral presenations

• 3 symposia

Prague at a glance

Funded in 730 A.C. by princess Libuse

Vysehrad, the 1st castle

•Formed under Premyslid Dukes/Kings (870 – 1306)•Integrated part of Holy Roman Empire in 862 (till 1806)•First King Vratislav I 1085

Charles IV and the bridge (1357)

•Golden age under Luxembourg Dynasty, Charles IV ( 1316 – 1378)•He was 11 th king of Bohemia, Roman Emperor, King of Lombardy, Duke of Luxembourg.•First University on the Nord side of Alps - Universitas Carolina - founded in 1348: Theological, Law, Medicine and Artistic Faculties•3rd largest city in Europe and capital of the Sacred Roman Empire

Jan Hus (1371-1415)

• He prieched against the corruption of roman church

• He was burn alive in Costanza, being excommunicated by 3 fighting popes…

Staromestske Namesti

Defenestrations…1st in 1419

Protestants against Catholics(Religious intolerance)

2nd in 14833rd in 1618

Rudolph II Habsburg is crowned king of Bohemia in 1575

• He moves his court to Prague

• The city becomes the center of science and alchemy (Praga the magic city…). All famous scientist are attracted (Keplero, Brahe…)

• He’s buried in S. Vito’s Cathedral (Brahe in S. Mary of Tyn)

White Mountain Battle (1620)

Ferdinando II, catholic, won against Federico V Palatinatus, protestant

The 4 cities become 1 in 1784Hradčany Malastrana

Stare Mesto Nove Mesto

Hradčany

S. Vito Cathedral

15 kings and Saint Venceslao and John Nepomuceno are buried here

Hradčany

Strahov Monastry and Library

The library is over 800 years old. Despite ransacking by invading armies, it holds 16,000 books

HradčanyThe golden alley

Rudolph II’s goldsmiths lived here. They were looking to turn iron into gold…

Mala Strana (small quarter)Charles Bridge

It’s adorned by 30 statues of saints, built in XVII century

Stare Mesto (old city)The astronomical clock (on the frontage of the city hall)

The oldest part dates back to 1410

Stare Mesto (old city)St. Mary of Tyn

The Hussite Church until 1620

Nove Mesto (new city)The markets place

Cattle, horses, hay…

Nove Mesto (new city)

The dancing house (1994-1996)

Zofin Palace

… a fruitful and “friendful” meeting!