Vladislaus Hall

Vladislaus Hall was built in 1490–1502 during an extensive reconstruction of Prague Castle, initiated by King Vladislaus II Jagiellon. The author of the project is one of the most important architects of the Jagiellon era, Benedikt Ried. Under his supervision, a 62-metre long and 13-metre wide room, which by its dimensions and complex architectural execution was unmatched among the secular interiors in Central Europe of the time, was built. In order to achieve a monumental effect, the hall was not divided into individual naves and supported by columns, as was the custom in interiors of the time. This allowed Ried to design a 16-metre high cross vault, whose ribs stretch across the whole width of the hall and by mutually intersecting create complex floral patterns. Illumination is provided by rectangular Renaissance windows, which together with the adjacent balcony represents one of the earliest elements of Renaissance architecture in Bohemia.

Contrary to popular belief, Vladislaus Hall was not used for organising State Diets, but rather as a space for communication and for organising representative events and celebrations; tournaments, balls, theatre performances and from the 18^th century crowning ceremonies were held there. From the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918 it has been used as a place for the most important state celebrations and meetings. In this hall, presidents of the Czech Republic take oaths at their inaugurations and award state decorations of the Czech Republic on the Independent Czechoslovak State Day (28^th October).