Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel

The architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel is a phenomenon. In the history of our architecture, there is no one else who was able to realise their personal vision in such a magnificent way while a universally respected style reigned.
On the other hand, it would be a misunderstanding of the era and his work to interpret Santini as a lone individual, stepping out of the context of the Baroque and crossing all boundaries. The most remarkable thing about Santini is precisely that he was able to combine these two apparent opposites.
Even today, this extraordinary architect does not have the place in general cultural awareness that corresponds to his significance. And this is also the reason why this book was created and why Santini was chosen as the subject of the first volume of an intended series dedicated to significant figures in our architectural history.
Petr Dvořáček (* 27 Feb 1955), a Czech writer, publicist, and photographer born in Brno, invites readers into the world of this phenomenal architect in his new book. He describes not only his life but primarily the work of the engineer and mystic, his visions, and his lifelong commissions. Separate chapters are dedicated to his ten most significant buildings. The text is accompanied by the author's photographs and illustrations created for this book by Ivan Pecháček.