54 years ago, the most significant Slovenian architect Plečnik passed away

Ljubljana/Prague - 54 years ago, on January 7, 1957, the most significant Slovenian architect, Josip Plečnik, passed away, who is primarily known in Bohemia as the author of the modifications to Prague Castle.
Plečnik was born on January 23, 1872, in Ljubljana. He studied in Vienna and then served as a professor at the University of Ljubljana. He arrived in Prague in 1911 and initially worked there as an educator. Later, he accepted an offer from President T. G. Masaryk and became the chief architect of Prague Castle. He also participated in the modifications of the summer presidential residence in Lány, and among his essential buildings in Prague is the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord in Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.
Through his projects, which avoided attempts at Slavic folklore, he alienated Czech nationalists, but the Masaryk family provided him with protective support. After 1930, nationalist attacks 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, Plečnik left his work at the Castle. It is said he did not take any fees for it; he claimed he considered this task as the greatest honor.
Plečnik then fully dedicated himself to work in his native Ljubljana, where he not only established a school of architecture but also significantly influenced the urban development of the city.