Prager Fenstersturz

1618–1623 Böhmisch-Pfälzer Krieg

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The Defenestration of Prague

1618–1623 Bohemian-Palatinate War

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1618

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Photographed by James Hulse, September 14, 2026

1. Prager Fenstersturz / The Defenestration of Prague Marker

Prager Fenstersturz
Seit der Reformation gibt es immer wieder Auseinandersetzungen zwischen den Konfessionen. Gleichzeitig steigen die Spannungen zwischen den Mächten im Reich: Reichsstände, Fürsten, Reichsstädte und der Kaiser streben nach mehr Macht. Die evangelischen Kirche in Klostergrab wird abgerissen und die Wenzels-Kirche in Braunau geschlossen. Hierauf werfen die Protestanten dem katholischen Kaiser Matthias und ihrem Landesherrn, dem böhmischen König Ferdinand vor, gegen die 1609 zugestandene Religionsfreiheit zu verstoßen. Der Abweisung des Protests und der Auflösung der böhmischen Ständeversammlung folgt am 23. Mai ein Zug von etwa zweihundert aufgebrachten Protestanten, angeführt durch Heinrich Matthias von Thurn, zur böhmischen Hofkanzlei in der Prager Burg. Dort werfen sie, nach einem kurzen Schauprozess, den königlichen Statthalter Jaroslav Borsita Graf von Martinitz, Wilhelm Slavata sowie den Kanzleisekretär Philipp Fabricius aus dem Fenster 17 Meter tief in den Burggraben. Der böhmische Landtag konstituiert sich und stellt eine Armee auf. In der Folge kommt es zu weiteren protestantischen Aufständen in Mähren, Ungarn und Österreich.
© Johannes Munique

(English Translation)
The Defenestration of Prague
Since the Reformation, disputes between religious denominations have repeatedly occurred. At the same time, tensions are rising between the powers within the Holy Roman Empire: the imperial estates, princes, imperial cities and the emperor are seeking greater power. The Protestant church in Klostergrab is demolished, and St. Wenceslas Church in Braunau is closed. The Protestants

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accuse the Catholic Emperor Matthias and their ruler, King Ferdinand of Bohemia, of violating the religious freedom granted in 1609. After their protest is rejected and the assembly of the Bohemian estates is dissolved, about two hundred angry Protestants, led by Heinrich Matthias von Thurn, march to the Bohemian court chancellery at Prague Castle on May 23. Following a brief show trial, they throw the royal governor Jaroslav Borsita, Count of Martinitz, Wilhelm Slavata and the chancellery secretary Philipp Fabricius out of a window, dropping them 17 meters into the castle moat. The Bohemian Diet organizes itself and raises an army. Further Protestant uprisings follow in Moravia, Hungary and Austria.
 
Erected by SHW Komplett, VR-Bank Feuchtwangen-Dinkelsbühl eG and Getreue des Königs Gustav Adolf 1632 e.V.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is May 23, 1609.
 
Location. 49° 4.136′ N, 10° 19.372′ E. Marker is in Dinkelsbühl, Bayern (Bavaria), in Ansbach. It is on Inselweg 0.1 kilometers south of Wörnitzstraße, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Inselweg 5, Dinkelsbühl BY 91550, Germany. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in German Franconia and on the Romantic Road. Globally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire and also the former West Germany.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

Photographed by James Hulse, September 14, 2026

2. Prager Fenstersturz / The Defenestration of Prague Marker

distance of this marker: Ausgezehrt und ausgepresst / Exhausted and Drained (a few steps from this marker); Heinz J. Ansbacher (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Die Kriegsparteien formieren sich / The Warring Parties Take Shape (about 120 meters away); Wörnitztor / Wörnitz Gate (about 120 meters away); Schlacht am Weißen Berg bei Prag / Battle of White Mountain near Prague (about 150 meters away); Stauferstele (about 180 meters away); Letzte Schlachten und ein Friede mit Auswirkungen / Final Battles and a Peace (about 210 meters away); Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schmid (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dinkelsbühl.

 

Photographed by James Hulse, September 14, 2026

3. Prager Fenstersturz / The Defenestration of Prague Marker (Right Side)

Photographed by James Hulse, September 14, 2026

4. Prager Fenstersturz / The Defenestration of Prague Marker

The view of Dinkelsbühl from the public parking lot.

 

 
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 8, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.