Hello and welcome to a special programme celebrating the 700th anniversary
of the birth of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. Charles
was born in 1316, and reigned as Emperor from 1385 until his death in 1378
at the age of 62. During his reign, Charles put Prague on the map as a
major royal seat of power, as well as a major centre of culture. He founded
Charles University, and also started construction on Prague’s famous
eponymous bridge. He also established a number of castles, including the
famous Karlštejn Castle near Prague.