Distributed for Karolinum Press, Charles University
Jan Blažej Santini and His Architectural World
A fascinating look into the life of the famous Czech architect who fused Baroque and Gothic styles.
At the turn of the eighteenth century, Jan Blažej Santini Aichel (1677–1723), commonly recognized as Santini, began his career as an architect in Prague and became world-renowned for his mystical Baroque Gothic architecture. In Jan Blažej Santini and His Architectural World, a new generation of scholars draws up a portrait of Santini and his gems of Czech Baroque architecture. From detailing the particulars of the everyday life of a genius architect growing up in Prague and studying under Italian architects to engaging with previous interpretations of Santini’s work, this book interrogates the true value of Santini’s influence on European architecture.
At the turn of the eighteenth century, Jan Blažej Santini Aichel (1677–1723), commonly recognized as Santini, began his career as an architect in Prague and became world-renowned for his mystical Baroque Gothic architecture. In Jan Blažej Santini and His Architectural World, a new generation of scholars draws up a portrait of Santini and his gems of Czech Baroque architecture. From detailing the particulars of the everyday life of a genius architect growing up in Prague and studying under Italian architects to engaging with previous interpretations of Santini’s work, this book interrogates the true value of Santini’s influence on European architecture.
424 pages | 305 color plates, 115 halftones, 90 figures | 9.06 x 11.34 | © 2026
Architecture: History of Architecture
Art: European Art
Table of Contents
Entering the World of Santini’s Architecture
A Basic Chronology of Santini’s Life and Work
Chapter I. Santini’s “Fortuna Critica”. The Phenomenon of Santini Aichel in Czech and European Historical Memory
Chapter II. Bohemia, Italy… France? Santini’s Architectural Roots
Chapter III. A Geyser of Ideas as Creative Method. Santini’s Beginnings as an Architect
Chapter IV. Santini “More Gothico”
Chapter V. The Gesamtkunstwerk of Santini’s Architecture. Collaboration With Painters, Sculptors and Organ Builders
Chapter VI. Santini, Architect of Palaces and Chateaux
Chapter VII. Santini’s Universe. The Architect as Creator of the Baroque Monastic Landscape
Chapter VIII. The Architect on the Road. Jan Blažej Santini Aichel and the Process of Design
Chapter IX. Between Client, Architect and Builder. Building Practice in the Time of Jan Blažej Santini
Chapter X. Santini’s Symbolic Ground-Plans. Mystery or Creative Game?
Chapter XI. Santini’s Collaborators, Colleagues, Competitors and Heirs
Chapter XII. Santini’s Synthesis. Zelená Hora by Ždár nad Sázavou
Epilogue. The Lucidity of Santini’s Architecture
Notes
Bibliography
List of Illustrations
Ackowledgements
Index
A Basic Chronology of Santini’s Life and Work
Chapter I. Santini’s “Fortuna Critica”. The Phenomenon of Santini Aichel in Czech and European Historical Memory
Chapter II. Bohemia, Italy… France? Santini’s Architectural Roots
Chapter III. A Geyser of Ideas as Creative Method. Santini’s Beginnings as an Architect
Chapter IV. Santini “More Gothico”
Chapter V. The Gesamtkunstwerk of Santini’s Architecture. Collaboration With Painters, Sculptors and Organ Builders
Chapter VI. Santini, Architect of Palaces and Chateaux
Chapter VII. Santini’s Universe. The Architect as Creator of the Baroque Monastic Landscape
Chapter VIII. The Architect on the Road. Jan Blažej Santini Aichel and the Process of Design
Chapter IX. Between Client, Architect and Builder. Building Practice in the Time of Jan Blažej Santini
Chapter X. Santini’s Symbolic Ground-Plans. Mystery or Creative Game?
Chapter XI. Santini’s Collaborators, Colleagues, Competitors and Heirs
Chapter XII. Santini’s Synthesis. Zelená Hora by Ždár nad Sázavou
Epilogue. The Lucidity of Santini’s Architecture
Notes
Bibliography
List of Illustrations
Ackowledgements
Index