Svatováclavský seminář – Stará technika University building

St. John's seminar, also known as The Old Technique or Czech Stavovská Engineering School is a Baroque building in Husova Street on the corner with Zlatá street in Prague 1. This institution, protected as a cultural monument since 1958, was a predecessor of the Czech Technical University. Originally founded as a Jesuit seminar, it later became the seat of the Czech engineering school.

History begins in 1692 when the order of Jesuits purchased the house and made some modifications. The original building contained preserved Romanesque and Gothic cellars. At that time, the building was transferred to the seminar of St. Wenceslas, formerly based in the Old Town Jesuit dorm of Klementine. Other significant modifications took place around 1726 according to the design of architect Kilián Ignác Dienzenhofer, which contributed to the baroque character of the building.

In 1707 the Czech Engineering School was founded. This institution was part of an enlightened movement that affected the development of educational and technological institutions in Europe. Emperor Josef I. gave permission to establish Czech engineering school, which was submitted by Ing. Christian Josef Willenberg. In 1786, the school was transferred to a building in Husova Street and in 1803 it became the Royal State Technical School thanks to the efforts of Ing. Franz Joseph Gerstner, the first director of the newly opened institute.

Architecturally, the building is important with its baroque elements and preserved Romanesque and Gothic cellars. In 1833 the Renaissance part of the complex was demolished and a new Classicist building was built for a real gymnasium. Other additions took place in 1872 and 1922, which enriched the structure of the building.

The ownership changed over the years: after the order of Jesuits took over the Czech State Engineering School, followed by the Royal State Technical School and in 1920 the institution was renamed Czech Technical University in Prague. Each of these periods brought new changes that affected both the ownership and the function of the building.

The key event was the establishment of the Czech State Engineering School in 1707 and its transformation into the Royal State Technical School in 1803, which reflected the development of technology and engineering. Ing. František Josef Gerstner played a key role in the transformation of the institution.

Today, the Svatoclav seminar is not only a monument, but also part of the history of Czech education and technology. The building remains an important place for visitors who want to understand the development of engineering studies in the Czech Republic. Its historical and architectural values make it a necessary destination for anyone interested in the history of Prague and technology.

The St. Clav seminar is a reminder of the rich history of education and engineering. His visit will offer a view of the past, where technology and education developed in parallel with enlightened ideals. For those who want to explore the important place of Czech history, the Svatoclava seminar is a necessary visit.