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Abstract
Of the many palaces built by Charles IV of Luxembourg (r. 1347-1376), Karlstein Castle is the sole structure which bears his name (1348-1372). Located thirty kilometers southwest of Prague, Karlstein stands as the physical manifestation of the emperor’s desire for legitimacy and eternal salvation. Among the three structural units, a gradation of elevation is created to symbolize the progression from the earthly plane into the heavenly realm. The middle structure, the Lesser Tower, serves as the intermediary location of the complex and houses the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. An apocalypse cycle decorates the walls of the chapel, depicting the events of the eschaton per the Book of Revelation. Moving into the Chapel of the Virgin Mary is a crucial component within the ideological design of Karlstein and is a necessary step towards achieving enteral salvation.
