National Monument in Vitkov. Vitkovsky Hill and the monument to Jan ижižka Monument to Jan ижižka

The wonderful tradition of mankind - to honor the memory of its heroes - is rooted in a very distant past. Legends and epics were written about those who gave their lives in the name of their homeland, later they wrote books and made films. They were immortalized in marble and bronze, recreated in musical and pictorial works. Therefore, in almost every country you can find majestic monuments of the past, these peculiar milestones that indicate to descendants the path to freedom and happiness. In the Czech Republic, one of these monuments is the National Memorial on Vitkov.

Vitkov Hill as a natural monument

The place for the memorial was chosen perfectly. This is a high hill, the first information about the existence of which appeared 10 centuries ago. It is not known who and when gave it the name Vitkov, but legends claim that this happened in honor of a peasant who grows wonderful grapes on a hill. Now the hillsides are covered with shrubs and trees, and the area of \u200b\u200bthis park is quite large - 15 hectares. The park is remarkable in that it is a kind of oasis of wildlife among the European capital. This idea is confirmed by the fact that the park on the hill is recognized as an ideal natural environment for breeding birds of prey - peregrine falcons. Thus, the hill itself can be considered a monumental green foundation for the construction of the monument.

Vitkova Gora as a symbol of indestructible spirit

It was on this hill that one of the most incredible events in the history of the Hussite wars occurred. Three dozen Czech peasants and a detachment of "chain men" led by Jan Zizka strengthened themselves on the eastern slope of the hill and entered into battle with several hundred knight-crusaders. An unprecedented weapon - a chain bound in iron - knocked down soldiers in full knightly outfit. They fled in panic, leaving the bodies of their many comrades at the foot of the hill. This victory marked the beginning of state independence and the heyday of the culture of Bohemia (Czech Republic). And Vitkov’s mountain was popularly called Zhizhkova in memory of one of the glorious sons of this land, Jan Zizka.

Monument to the hero of the Hussite wars

Today the hill is crowned with an equestrian sculpture of a national hero from bronze. The idea of \u200b\u200bits creation was born at the end of the 19th century, and at the beginning of the 20th century a competition was announced in which the project of the sculptor Bohumil Kafka won. The author himself did not live, unfortunately, before the opening of the monument and did not find out that he was recognized as the largest equestrian monument in the world. The monument could be cast at the foundry only after the end of World War II, and its opening was timed to coincide with the 530th anniversary of the victory on Vitkovaya Gora (July 14, 1950). The height of the horse Jan Zizka is 9m, weight - 16.5t, and the length of the sculptural monument is 9.6m. The monument impresses everyone who saw it.

History of the National Memorial

Behind the horse sculpture, the majestic and architecturally strict memorial building is located. It reaches 142m in length, 31.5m in height, and about 28m in width. The project is owned by architect Jan Zazvorka. The first stone in the foundation of the building was laid in 1928, and the main construction was completed in 1932. Then, design work continued for another six years. The events of World War II, fortunately, did not destroy the memorial, but the German authorities arranged a warehouse here, which caused serious damage to the interior of the building. Restoration work took place immediately after the war, and at the end of the twentieth century, when many rooms were redesigned.

Laboratory of power and not only

The structure of the National Memorial includes the tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Battle of the Dukelska Operation, as well as the exposition “Crossroads of Czech Statehood”. In the 50-60s there was a mausoleum of Clement Gottwald, the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic. Now the mummified body is no longer there, but in the rooms where they cared for its safety, the exhibition Laboratory of Power is located.

In the memorial building there is the Hall of Celebrations, where the largest organ of the country is located. There you can get acquainted with the mosaic of Yakub Obrovsky “Where is my house”, see plates with the Czech arms, made in ceramics. Not so long ago, memorial plaques of modern participants in foreign military missions were installed in one of the halls.

Many Prague monuments are associated with Czech history. One of these monuments is equestrian statue of Jan ижižkalocated on Vitkovsky hill, district of Prague-Zizkov. The monument rises on Vitkovsky Hill, which was named after one of the townspeople Vitka from the Mountain, who acquired a hill for vineyards.

The lower building on Vitkovsky Hill is in front of which is a green Soviet tank. At the top of the hill is a huge marble parallelepiped - a monument in front of which majestically rises statue of Jan ижižka on a horse. Jan ижižka was the leader of the Hussite army, he defeated the crusaders who were sent to eliminate the Hussite movement. The battle took place on Vitkovsky hill on July 14, 1420. In gratitude for the victory, the Prague quarter was named after Jan ижižka and in 1950 an equestrian statue created by Bohumil Kafka was installed.

The monument was originally planned in the eighties of the 19th century, it was believed that it would sing the glory of the brave Czech people. Construction began in 1928, the first stone was laid by Masaryk himself. By 1933, the monument was almost ready, but the decoration still continued until the start of World War II. The Germans came, made a warehouse of the monument, bronze statues mercilessly cut by autogenous and sent for re-melting. After the war, it was decided to restore the monument, but not in its previously conceived form. The Communists decided that the center of the monument would be a huge statue of Jan ижižka - a Czech military hero and spontaneous Bolshevik. By 1950, the monument was completed and was recognized the largest equestrian statue in the world. The height of the bronze statue is about 9 meters, and together with the pedestal - 22 meters, the weight of the statue is 16.5 tons, while only one head of the monument weighs 109 kg. The author of the model tried to create a statue that will be the most truthful and realistic. Bogumil Kafka consulted with many hippologists and historians. Alas, the master died before the statue of Jan ижižka was finished.

Wonderful views of Prague open from Vitkovsky Hill.

Behind statues of Jan ижižka you can see the massive structure - the National Monument, built in 1927 - 1932 in honor of the formation of the former Czechoslovakia and the courage of the Czech legion. The National Monument includes a memorial hall, where the largest organ in the Czech Republic is installed. Later, the complex began to be used as a mausoleum, where Clement Gottwald indicated the burial of government officials, the party and other communist leaders. Masterfully cast bronze gates with relief work by Malevsky on the struggle of the Czech people for liberation lead to the mausoleum. In the center of the hall stands the former sarcophagus of Clement Gottwald and several large bronze candlesticks. The hall is lined with mosaics, which depicts Soviet soldiers.

At present, the mausoleum on Vitkovsky Hill   open only a few days a year; newspapers announce advance dates in advance. It is planned to retrain the National Monument into a modern historical museum, which will host an exhibition dedicated to Czech statehood.

If you go to the memorial from the back of it, you will pass a large park where there are almost no passers-by.

Views from Vitkovsky Hill open to different parts of Prague.

Who wants to go around many interesting monuments in one walk - you will be interested.

How to get to Vitkovsky hill and the monument to Jan ижižka

Take the tram 1, 9 or 16 to the Ohrada stop, then go uphill through the park. Either take tram 5, 9 or 26 to Husinecká. There pawn up. At the foot of the hill is the Army Museum, which you can drop into along the way. Admission is free here.

Photo: National Monument on Vitkov

The monument to Bozene Nemtsova is located on the Slovan island, which is located in the center of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The monument has become one of the symbols of the park in which it is located. The monument in Prague was created in collaboration with the Czech national artist, sculptor Karel Pokorny, and the architect Jaroslav Fragner, who designed the excellent pedestal.

Bozena Nemtsova has a special place in Czech literature. She is often called the founder of modern Czech prose. Almost without a livelihood by the end of her life, the writer only after death received due recognition and popular fame. The bronze sculpture is filled with emotion and true human drama. The monument to Bozene Nemtsova in Prague is considered one of the best monuments to this outstanding Czech writer.

Monument to Jan Hus

In the Czech Republic, Jan Hus is a national hero, a great thinker and ideologist of the Czech Reformation. He opposed corruption, hypocrisy and requisitions of the Catholic Church.

A complex multi-figure composition on a huge stone pedestal is inscribed in the ensemble of the square in such a way that the tall figure of the courageous reformer preacher Jan Hus was in the geometric center of the square.

The inscription on the monument, which expresses the basic philosophy of the great Czech reformer: "Love people."

The sculptural groups surrounding him represent the dramatic fate of the Czech Republic: Hussite wars are sent into exile, mother and child symbolize hope for a national revival.

The monument is undoubtedly one of the most significant works of the Czech sculptor of the early twentieth century, Ladislav Šaloun.

Old Town Square is a pedestrian zone, there are always a lot of people walking in Prague and tourists.

Monument "Przemysl and Libushe"

The legend of the founding of Prague says that after the death of Cech, who brought the Czech people to the Czech Republic, his son, governor Krok, founded the city on a cliff above the Vltava and named it Vysehrad by a high location. When Krok died, the Czechs chose the princess his youngest daughter, Libushe. Deciding to move the capital, she sent servants to look for a place on the left bank of the Vltava. The servants met the lumberjacks who were clutching a tree. "What are you doing?" - asked the servants of Libushe. “We cut the threshold,” the lumberjacks answered. Upon returning, the servants all reported to the princess. "On the threshold of this will be called the new city of Prague, and the glory of its stars will reach!" - the impressionable Libushe commanded.

It is believed that at the place where Libushe uttered these words, a monument was erected in Vysehrad.

Monument to Berdzhih Sour Cream

The monument to Bedřich Smetana is erected in front of the entrance to the museum of the composer. On the site where the monument is installed, a beautiful view of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle opens.

Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) is a well-known Czech composer, chief conductor of the Czech National Opera House and a pianist. His name is associated with the national composer school. In his works he used Czech subjects and folk motifs. He owns the work Brandenburgers in the Czech Republic, which became the first opera in history in Czech. An unofficial Czech anthem is considered to be his symphonic poem “Vltava”. Smetana was buried at the Vysehrad cemetery.

Monument to the urban tramp

Monument to the urban tramp - a modern original monument to the Czech homeless, located in the heart of the capital of the Czech Republic. It is a seated statue of a man on a blue bench - a barefoot middle-aged man in a hat and a free cloak.

The monument to the tramp is located on a small street in the historical center of the Czech Republic, between Wenceslas and Old Town Squares. This is a small statue in human height, around which tourists are happy to relax and take pictures. The monument is cast in bronze. Vacationers in Prague love to greet his hand, rub his nose or the edge of his cloak for happiness.

Monument on Bila Gora

The monument on Bila Gora is a stone embankment with a memorial tablet. It was erected in memory of those who died during the short battle that took place on Bila Gora on November 8, 1620 as part of the Thirty Years War. On this day, the Habsburg Catholic Army defeated Czech Protestants, which predetermined the fate of the Czech state for the next three centuries.

Bilaja Gora, 381 meters high, is one of the districts of Prague and is located on its western outskirts. The monument to the fallen Czech Protestants is located in the middle of a field on a hill where a meeting of troops took place in 1620.

The monument to Soviet soldiers was erected at the Olshansky military burial place in Prague in the area of \u200b\u200bZizkov. Near the monument to the soldiers who fell during the liberation of Prague from the German invaders, there are identical gravestones in the form of a stone pillar with a five-pointed star. In total, 426 people are buried here. The architect Karel Benes and the sculptor Yaroslav Brugi worked on the design of the monument. The monument is a tall gray plate, which has a bronze soldier with a rifle in his hands. Above the plate rises a five-pointed star with Soviet symbols: a sickle and a hammer. The monument is accompanied by a memorial plaque.

Monument to Rabindranath Tagore

The monument to Rabindranath Tagore is located in the historical district of Prague-6, not far from the Dejvická metro station, in the Czech capital. This is a monument in honor of an outstanding Indian writer and poet, composer and performer, politician, who also had a positive influence on individual cultural figures of the Czech Republic. The monument to Tagore is made in the form of a bust of a writer on a high pedestal and is located in the middle of a small square.

Monument to Palach and Zaits

On January 16, 1969, on Wenceslas Square, self-immolation of Jan Palach took place, which protested against the occupation of the Czechoslovak Republic by Soviet troops. Jan Palach was a twenty-year-old student who, seeing around the passivity in the actions of his compatriots in front of the troops who occupied Czechoslovakia, in despair, fearing that the country could forever remain a totalitarian state, committed an act of self-immolation. Jan Zaits followed his example.

Monument to Joseph Manes

The monument to Joseph Manes stands on the embankment of Prague at the base of the bridge, named after the outstanding Czech artist of the 19th century.

Josef Manes is a leading Czech painter of the 19th century. His works in the style of romanticism were a vivid continuation of the European artistic tradition.

The monument to the artist was erected at the end of the 19th century on the embankment, near the Rudolfinum Hall, where the Prague National Orchestra is located.

The figure of Manes, who holds an easel in his hands, complements the architectural ensemble of the square, echoing the monument to another great Czech - Antonin Dvořák, whose sculpture is installed opposite.

TGM Monument

A bronze monument to the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomas Garrig Masaryk, was erected on Hradcany Square in Prague.

The three-meter-tall figure of Tomas Masaryk stands on a granite pedestal in the very center of the historical district of Prague Hradcany.

The monument was made by sculptors Josef Weitz and Jan Bartosz on the model of the master Otakar Spaniel, increasing the original model three times. The prototype of the sculpture was created in 1931 and is now housed in the Prague Pantheon of the National Museum. The modern look of the original model was given by the architect Jiří Ratouski.

After the monument was erected on Hradcany Square, a copy of the statue was also made, which was then taken away and placed in Mexico City on the main avenue named after Masaryk. He is so well known in his country that the authors limited themselves to the laconic inscription "TGM" on the monument, without deciphering the full name of the first president.

Monument to Sigmund Freud “The Hanging Man”

Monument to Sigmund Freud “The Hanging Man” is located on the protruding part of the roof of one of the houses of Prague. The figure of the famous scientist "hangs", catching one beam on the beam. The author of such an unusual creation is the notorious Prague sculptor David Cherny. The monument was created in 1996 and was an overwhelming success, in connection with which the sculpture was hung in Prague, Chicago, London.

It is said that from afar at dusk Freud's suspended figure resembles a hangman or a person in distress and often scares passers-by. Some even see in the sculpture a resemblance to Vladimir Lenin and a political background. But according to the author’s intention, the monument should personify the isolation of the intelligentsia from the people.

Monument to the pissing men

A fountain-monument to pissing men is installed in the courtyard in front of the Franz Kafka Museum House. The museum is located in the Small Country, about 50 meters from Charles Bridge. The museum stores published books of the writer, his diary, letters, photographs, sketches and many other things related to his life.

An unusual sculpture is installed in front of the museum, which is a fountain composition made by David Cherny. Two bronze men stand opposite each other, relieving the need for a shallow reservoir, in a form recreating the borders of the Czech Republic. The author-creator was inspired by this statue of a manneken pis located in Brussels.

Prague metronome

The Prague metronome over the Vltava is a unique monument in its own way. On the one hand, it is absurd and, as they say, closes the peculiar emptiness that has formed in this place in the course of historical events. On the other hand, impartially counting hours, minutes, instants, the metronome is an impeccable and powerful symbol of time independent of nothing. Towering above the center of beautiful Prague, this awkward structure breaks stereotypes and often leads to existential experiences.

The monument was built in 1991 on the site of the former monument to Stalin. History decreed that a huge monument to the leader of the peoples was erected at an unsuccessful time, in 1955. A few years later, it was dismantled, and the resulting hole was eventually “plugged” with a metronome, a kind of example of modern art. At first, the monument temporarily placed here took root and for the third decade it has been swinging its pendulum steadily and steadily. And it seems that this process will never stop.

Monument to Wenceslas on an inverted horse

The monument to Wenceslas on an inverted horse is an ironic version of the famous classical monument to St. Wenceslas. The unusual scandalous sculptor David Cherny made this unusual monument.

This option is not inferior in popularity to the original: the horse tied by its legs hangs upside down with its tongue hanging out, and the Czech king Wenceslas sits on her belly.

At first, the monument, it was decided to put, although close to the original, but on the other side of the square. However, the inhabitants of the city did not like this creation and the sculpture caused a storm of discontent. Therefore, the monument, it was decided to move to another place.

Today it can be seen in the atrium of the passage of Lucerne. There, the monument is suspended from the ceiling with iron cables, and there are always many tourists around it.

Monument to Jan Nepomutsky

Monument to Jan Nepomucki - a statue depicting the famous Czech saint and martyr, mounted on the Charles Bridge in Prague. It is believed that touching the statue brings good luck and happiness.

The first monument to Jan Nepomutsky was erected on Charles Bridge in the early 17th century, and a modern bronze sculpture appeared in 1863. Its author was the famous sculptor Wolfgang Gerolt, and the pedestal was made by Jean Baptiste Matei. The monument turned out to be very beautiful and majestic, and he quickly became a model for many other sculptures depicting Jan Nepomutsky.

And even today, this statue is considered the most beautiful decoration of Charles Bridge and one of the most famous sights of Prague.

Monument to firefighters

The Firefighter Monument is a monument dedicated to 343 New York firefighters who died during the rescue operations in New York on September 11, 2001, during a terrorist attack. This monument was discovered on the island of Kampa. in Prague. The monument is a granite monument, which depicts the helmet of a fireman with the number 114.

The words on the pedestal read: “A firefighter is a person who lives in the world twice: for himself and for others. And that’s why the life of a fireman is a true example of a true understanding of human life. ”

At the opening of the monument was attended by the mayor of the capital Bohuslav Freedom and representatives of the US embassy. After the national anthem ended, the members of the Prague Volunteer Fire Corps laid wreaths at the granite monument.

Monument "Pieta" on Charles Bridge

The Pieta Monument is located on the Charles Bridge in Prague. This sculptural group was created in 1859 by sculptor Emanuel Max, who captured the mourning scene of Jesus Christ. Translated from Italian, "Pieta" means mercy and piety.

In addition to the virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene customary in this iconographic storyline, the Apostle John the Theologian also mournes on the Charles Bridge.

This is not the first Pieta erected in this place. Previously, here was the hand of sculptor Jan Brokoff carved from stone Pieta in stone, which was later transferred to the garden of the Monastery of Benevolent Sisters. And at an earlier time, namely in the 15th century, on the site of modern Pieta was located the image of the Crucifix, demolished by a powerful flood of 1496.

In addition to Pieta, today on the Charles Bridge there are 29 more sculptural groups dedicated to Catholic saints and having their own unique history.

Monument to St. Wenceslas

In 1912, one of the sights of Prague, a monument to St. Wenceslas by Joseph Wenceslas Myslbek, was erected in front of the building of the National Museum.

Monument to Jan Hus

The monument to Jan Hus is located in the northern part of the square and with all its grandeur demonstrates a symbol of national unity. A philosopher, preacher and reformer who fought for the freedom of the Czechs was recognized as a heretic in 1414, and a year later the Catholic Church sentenced him to death by burning.

Monument to Charles IV

The monument to Charles IV is installed on Krzyžovnice Square, near Charles Bridge, in Prague. It was erected in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of Charles University in 1848. This four-meter bronze monument is made in the neo-Gothic style. Allegories of four university departments adorn him: Arnosht Pardubitsky, Jan Ochek Vlashimsky, Benes Kolovratsky and Mathieu Arrassky - the king's famous associates.

Charles IV is depicted holding a sword - a symbol of his military victories and the status of the university. It is worth noting that Charles University, which is the main university in the country, the oldest in Central Europe, as well as one of the oldest in the world, was founded by the emperor in 1348.

Monument to Franz Kafka

Between the Spanish Synagogue and the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Old Town there is an unusual monument - a monument to the famous Austro-Hungarian writer Franz Kafka.

The bronze sculpture, designed by Yaroslav Rona, appeared in Prague in 2003. The Kafka Monument is 3.75 meters high, and it weighs 700 kilograms. The monument depicts the writer on the shoulders of a giant suit in which there is no one who should wear it. The monument refers to one of Kafka’s works “The History of One Struggle”. This is a story about a man riding on the shoulders of another person wandering the streets of Prague.

Monument to the victims of communism

The Monument to the Victims of Communism is a multi-sculptural allegorical composition located at the foot of Petřín Hill in the Lesser Town of Prague. This memorial was erected in honor of the victims of the totalitarian regime of 1948-1988. The monument was unveiled in 2002, its authors are sculptor Albram Zubek and architects Zdenek Holzel and Jan Kerel.

The sculptural composition consists of 7 bronze figures, which are depicted descending the stairs down. Each subsequent statue is more “destroyed” than the previous one: at first the limbs are “lost”, then breaks in the bodies appear, and in the end it seems that the person has gradually disappeared. According to the authors, the monument symbolizes the suffering of political prisoners during the period of communist rule. In the center is an inscription indicating how many people were arrested, deported, died in prisons, killed during an escape, executed in those years. And on a nearby bronze plate it is explained to whom this monument is dedicated.

Monument to Jan ижižka

Monument to Jan ижižka - equestrian statue of Jan ижižka, mounted on Vitkov Hill in 1950. It symbolizes the memory of the national hero of the Czech Republic - Jan ижižka, who on this site in 1420 with four thousand people defended Prague from the army of thousands of crusaders.

The National Monument to Jan ижižke is located in the center of Vitkov Park, on the top of the hill of the same name, almost in the center of Prague. The magnificent statue of the Czech national hero is nine meters high without a pedestal and weighs almost 17 tons. It consists of 120 bronze parts and five thousand bolts. The statue of Jan ижižka is the world's largest bronze equestrian monument. It was designed by the Czech sculptor Bohumil Kafka, influenced by the work of Auguste Rodin, but the master himself did not see his own creation, since he died in the Second World War.

Monument to Yaroslav Hasek

The monument to Yaroslav Hasek, located in Prague, is made in the Art Nouveau style. The monument is a kind of hybrid horse with a bar. In the center of it is a small pedestal with a bust of the writer himself. The horse is made of bronze, the stele and the bust of the writer are made of stone. A huge hole is made inside the mount. According to the initial idea, a beer barrel was supposed to be located in this place.

The author of the monument was the famous Czech sculptor Nepras Karel. However, the author himself did not live three years before its discovery. The monument to Yaroslav Hasek was opened in 2005. Its discovery was like a national holiday. During this event, the best Czech choreographic groups performed. On the same day, soldiers fired weapons and performed the national anthem.

By the way, the monument cost the Czech treasury one hundred and forty thousand dollars.

Ghost Monument

Residents of Prague really respect their ghosts. And even one of them was erected a monument! This is Iron Man, whose statue you will find on the corner of the New Town Hall.

The spirit of Jáchim Birka rightly pays for his sins. Returning home from the war, he, believing gossip, rejected his bride. Only by marrying a neighbor's girl did he know what mistake he had made. Not only the rejected girl and her father took their own lives, but his wife turned into a lazy drunkard.

He made a masculine decision: strangled his wife and hanged himself in the basement. But even then he did not find peace. His spirit wanders along Platnerzhskaya Street, hoping for deliverance. Once in a hundred years, he can talk with a clean girl. However, today the cat has cried, and chatter with battered girls will not help Jáchym.

Monument to Antonin Dvorak

The monument to Antonin Dvořák was erected on Jan Palach Square in front of the famous Rudolfinium, the Palace of Music and Arts.

Antonin Dvořák is a world famous Czech composer whose works glorified his native country. The musical traditions of Bohemia and Moravia, folk music and tunes of his native land found expression in his work. In the last years of his life, Dvorak was the director of the Prague Conservatory, which at that time was located in the Rudolfinium, a palace in the heart of the city.

After World War II, a bronze monument to Antonin Dvořák was erected on the square in front of the residence of the Czech Symphony Orchestra.

Prague Attractions

Walking around the Vitkov park, you combine business with pleasure: relax in nature and learn a lot about the history of the Czech Republic and its defenders.

Park Vitkov (Park na Vítkově) is located on the hill of the same name in the eastern part. The oblong and narrow Vitkov hill, covered with dense greenery, is considered a symbol of the Czech people, which recalls the strength of spirit and the importance of national unity. Because it was here that on June 14, 1420, the rebel Hussites won a decisive victory over the superior forces of the German crusaders.

Hill history

The first mention of the hill is found in the annals of 1041. At that time it was covered in forests. But Emperor Charles IV ordered to cut down forests and plant a vine. The name Vitkov Hill was given in honor of Prague tradesman Vitkov from the Mountain, who owned a vineyard on it.

During the Thirty Years' War, the entire vine on the hill was destroyed. By the 18th century, the scorched northern slope was almost completely devoid of vegetation. Vitkov’s restoration began only in the 19th century. Scorched earth was sown with grass, trees and shrubs planted, paved paths. The hill turned into a city park.

A park

Today in the Vitkov park is cozy, there is no trace of past destruction. Oaks, lindens and silver maples, yellow acacia and pine, mulberry and honeysuckle grow around. Peregrine falcons live in the forested area. On well-kept lawns, vacationers have picnics. There are asphalt paths throughout the park - for cyclists and scooters, for walking.

Since 1953, a pedestrian tunnel has been laid under Vitkov. Its length is 303 m, and this is the shortest path connecting the districts of Zizkov and Karlin.

Modern Vitkov claims to be the most elevated park in Prague, the height of the hill reaches 260.9 m. It offers a beautiful view of the Czech capital.

There are several attractions in the park that Czechs especially value. Taking a walk here, you combine business with pleasure: relax in nature, and learn a lot about the history of the Czech Republic and its defenders.

Statue of Jan ижižka

The monumental bronze monument to Jan ижižka is the work of Bohumil Kafka. This unique statue is one of the ten largest equestrian sculptures in the world: its height is 9 m, and including a pedestal - 22 m, total weight - 16.5 tons. The monument was unveiled in 1950, on the anniversary of the Battle of Vitkovo. Then the Hussites led by Jan ижižka defeated the crusaders.

Parades are held on the square in front of the monument to Jan ижižka, as we have on Red Square. Troops of various kinds are marching, the president greets them, famous people of the country lay flowers on the grave of an unknown soldier.

In front of the ижižka monument, under the granite slab, is the grave of an unknown soldier, in which remains from the battlefield at Zborov and from the Dukelsky operation are buried.

National Memorial on Vitkov

A National Memorial (Národní památník na Vítkově) in memory of the fallen Czechoslovak legionnaires - heroes of the First World War was opened on Vitkov. It was created in 1928-38, and at the beginning of the XXI century it was overhauled. In the socialist years, the most prominent representatives of the communist government were buried here, as well as the mausoleum of the first communist leader of the Czech Republic, Clement Gottwald. But after the Velvet Revolution, the remains of the Communists were reburied in different cemeteries.

In the memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The exposition “Crossroads of Czech and Czechoslovak Statehood”, which tells about significant stages in the history of the country of the twentieth century, is located in the Military History Museum of the memorial. An observation deck has recently been opened on the roof of the memorial.

At the foot of the Vitkov hill is located (Armádní muzeum Žižkov). Its exposition tells about the events of World War I and II and about the persecution of members of the Czechoslovak army after the February 1948 coup.

How to get there

Take the metro to the station Hlavní nádraží line C or to Florenc lines B and C.

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