How Many Defenestrations Are There in Prague?

By Michael Ferguson

Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, is known for its rich history and stunning architecture. But did you know that it also has a strange and unique claim to fame?

Prague is famous for its defenestrations, which have occurred throughout its history. Defenestration is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window.

The First Defenestration – 1419

The first defenestration in Prague happened on July 30, 1419. It was a result of tensions between Hussites (followers of Jan Hus) and Catholics.

A group of Hussites stormed the New Town Hall where several Catholic councilors were discussing the situation. The Hussites threw the councilors out of the window, resulting in their deaths. This event marked the beginning of Hussite Wars.

The Second Defenestration – 1618

The second defenestration happened on May 23, 1618. It was a major event that led to the Thirty Years’ War.

Protestants were unhappy with Ferdinand II (a Catholic) becoming King of Bohemia. They stormed Prague Castle and threw two Catholic governors and their secretary out of a window on the third floor. Surprisingly, they survived because they landed on a pile of manure.

Other Defenestrations

Apart from these two major events, there have been several other instances of defenestrations in Prague’s history:

  • In 1483, members of rival factions threw each other out of windows during a riot.
  • In 1611, Count Franz von Thurn und Taxis was thrown out of a window but survived because he landed on soft snow.
  • In 1948, Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk died after falling from his bathroom window in mysterious circumstances. Some suspect foul play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prague has a unique and strange claim to fame with its defenestrations. While it’s not something to be proud of, it’s a part of the city’s rich history that cannot be ignored.

The first two defenestrations were major events that led to significant consequences. However, the other instances were not as important but still remain a part of Prague’s legacy.