Markus Golser

The Golden City has always been one of the most important architectural centers of Europe. The architectural history of Prague reached its first peak during the Gothic period. The Renaissance and Baroque period are still very much in evidence today as part of the cityscape. After the Habsburg monarchy influenced Jugendstil, the national identity finds its expression in the architectonically unique Prague Cubism. In the 1920s and 30s the city maintained contact with the International Modern Style, while after World War II the socialist building culture held sway. After the end of the cold war the city made the connection to contemporary architecture in the form of extraordinary buildings. The chronologically sequence and the high-quality photos graphically display the typical characteristic of each era. In addition to several hundred individual buildings, significant ensembles as well as the influential architects of Prague and each epoch are portrayed.

For centuries, Paris has been the undisputed center of France. Just as the capital has always dominated the country’s fortunes, it has also played and continues to play a unique and trendsetting role in the story of French architecture. Two proven experts guide the reader through all the historical architectural eras – from the Roman past to the present. The chronological sequence and the high-quality photos clearly reflect the typical characteristic of every era. As well as approximately 500 individual buildings, the most prominent architects of Paris and every era are introduced. The wide range of information is complemented with numerous tips on the topic of architecture and a selection of restaurants and cafès which are sure to bring a special dose of enjoyment to fans of architecture.