55 years ago, the significant Slovenian architect Plečnik passed away

Ljubljana/Prague - Josip Plečnik, the most significant Slovenian architect, who is primarily known in the Czech Republic as the author of the modifications of Prague Castle, died 55 years ago, on January 7, 1957. He created a completely specific personal style based on his experiences with Art Nouveau and modern expressionism. Among Plečnik's notable Prague buildings is the striking Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square (1932).
The architect was born on January 23, 1872, in Ljubljana and studied in Vienna. He arrived in Prague in 1911, initially as an educator, later accepting an offer from President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk to become the chief architect of Prague Castle. He also participated in the modifications of the summer presidential residence in Lány. With his projects, Plečnik antagonized Czech nationalists, but he was protected by the Masaryk family.
After 1930, nationalist attacks on Plečnik intensified, and hateful articles appeared with headlines like "foreigner destroys the sacred residence of Czech kings". After the ailing Masaryk could no longer defend him, he left his work at the Castle. He reportedly did not take any fees for it; he stated that he considered this task to be the greatest honor. In Ljubljana, Plečnik then built a school of architecture and significantly influenced the urban planning of the city.