Compared to Ljubljana, Plecˇnik’s
influence was not city-wide, but confined
to certain areas, most notably the
Castle District (above), most of which
he designed from Ljubljana. In 1920,
Plecˇnik was handed the daunting task of
working on Prague Castle, a medieval
monument greatly revered by the locals.
The president, Tomáš Masaryk, wanted
a luminary who could update the castle,
but also keep it rooted in tradition. Today
Plecˇnik’s work can be seen throughout,
from the castle’s gardens and courtyards.
He added many sculptures and installed
the striking obelisk in the third castle
courtyard. Inside he, of course, worked
on the eponymous Plecˇnik Hall, with its
signature colonnades. Beyond Prague
Castle in Vinohrady, pious Plecˇnik
energetically engaged with the Church
of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord,
weaving Egyptian and early Christian
influences into its architecture.
PLEČNIK IN PRAGUE
architect, Matevž Celik, director of the
Ljubljana Museum of Architecture and
Design. “Squares, streets, parks and
bridges across the river Ljubljanica were all
designed by Plecˇnik, who give his special
and unique ‘seal’ to Ljubljana, so much
so that today many people know our city
simply as Plecˇnik’s Ljubljana.”
His style is hard to define. He was
clearly a fan of classicism and folk culture,
but also of ultra modern – modernism
even. Greek and Roman motifs and
themes seamlessly segue into less
mainstream styles with Islamic and North
African influences, as much part of the
intoxicating mix as folk culture, baroque
and secessionism. If there was one word to
sum up Plecˇnik’s style, it would have to be
postmodern and in this respect again he
was something of a pioneer.
But not everyone was a fan. It’s said that
Archduke Franz Ferdinand disapproved of
his perceived modernist style. Yugoslavia’s
Communist regime could not be fond of
a man who refused to renounce his solid
religious faith, and even today some
“
Not everyone was a
fan. Archduke Franz
Ferdinand disliked
his modernist style”
are ambivalent regarding Plecˇnik’s star
attractions. His preference for cheaper
materials such as concrete over marble is
one complaint, but that was as much down
to the economic necessities of the time,
and he did conjure up grace and beauty
from prosaic materials.
On his death in 1957 Plecˇnik received a
state funeral, but was yet to be hailed as
the true visionary that he is seen as today,
especially within architectural circles.
Modern tourists and travel writers
often hail Ljubljana as “the new Prague”.
Perhaps it’s time Jože Plecˇnik and Ljubljana
got the credit they deserve. Forget
“
Ljubljana, the new Prague”, how about
“
Prague, the new Ljubljana”?
TOP LEFT:
THE TRIPLE BRIDGE.
ABOVE:
A SLUICE GATE DETAIL
ON THE RIVER BANKS.
FEATURE
L JUBL JANA
62
WIZZ MAGAZINE
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2012/13
