Italians in Bohemia: Legacy of Centuries
Explore the rich history of Italian influence in Czech culture and society.
Eleutheria Foundation presents its new story "Italians in the Bohemian Lands." It serves as a digital companion to the book of the same title, published by Eleutheria in 2024, in partnership with the Italian Embassy in Prague.
The vision
An adventure that begins with the first Italian contacts with the Bohemian lands in the 10th century and continues through the centuries, increasingly strengthening the friendship between the two nations.
One of the first and real cultural integrations in Europe.
Slavkov u Brna Castle (1691) by Domenico MartinelliEleutheria Foundation
From art to architecture, you will discover important landmarks of the Czech cultural landscape, whose origins are directly connected with the influx of architects, bricklayers, stonemasons and art masters who brought their mastery to this part of Europe.
Library of the Premonstratensian Convent in Strahov. Theological Hall (1671) by Giovanni Domenico OrsiEleutheria Foundation
The Italian contribution is also evident in other sectors of Czech society, such as the scientific field, where innovators such as the herbalist Pietro Andrea Mattioli played a key role. His legacy continues to thrive today in academic and research environments.
Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Assumption into Heaven (1590) by Architetto anonimoEleutheria Foundation
Another topic related to the Italian-Czech relations include the "Italian Congregation of Prague," founded in 1573 and active until 1947.
Hospital of the Italians (1614) by Domenico de BossiEleutheria Foundation
Some historical buildings are the mannerist chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Assumption into Heaven, located in Karlova Street, and the former Italian hospital in Malá Strana, now home to the Italian Cultural Institute.
The texts were taken from the book Italians in the Bohemian Lands (2024), published by Eleutheria Foundation in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Prague. The book was created with the support of Architectural Consulting, sro, Assicurazioni Generali - Generali Česká pojišťovna, as, Brazzale Moravia as, Manghi Group sro, Mattoni 1873 as, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia. The book is under the patronage of the Czech Republic - Italy Interparliamentary Friendship Group, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Rome, Prague Capital City, UNESCO Czech Republic, the Italian Institute of Culture of Prague, Charles IV University, National Institute of Monuments of the Czech Republic, ICOM (International Council of Museums) Czech Republic. Comites (Committee of Italians Abroad) Czech Republic, Italian-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The texts were rewritten for Google Arts & Culture by Theodora Topali.
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