National Monument on Vítkov

The National Monument on Vítkov, located in the Žižkov district of Prague, is an imposing and rich in history symbol that reflects the turbulent political and social events of Czechoslovakia. Built between 1929 and 1933 according to the design of architect Jan Zázvorka, the monument was conceived to honor the Czechoslovak legionaries and the resistance against occupying forces. The monument is especially famous for the colossal equestrian statue of Jan Žižka, one of the greatest military leaders in Czech history, who in 1420 won the battle of Mount Vítkov against the forces of the Roman Empire. The statue, created by Bohumil Kafka, is one of the largest bronze equestrian statues in the world, standing at 9 meters tall and weighing 16.5 tons. Made up of 120 bronze parts and assembled with nearly 5000 screws, the statue was inaugurated on July 14, 1950, the anniversary of the historic battle. In addition to the statue of Žižka, the monument houses the Mausoleum of Klement Gottwald, the first communist president of Czechoslovakia. This mausoleum, active between 1954 and 1962, preserved the embalmed body of Gottwald, with 70 doctors and makeup artists taking care of it every night. Gottwald’s sarcophagus was located in the center of the main hall, surrounded by ten other sarcophagi and numerous tombs. After 1990, with the fall of the communist regime, many of the relics were returned to families, while others were buried in a common grave at the Olšany cemetery. The interior of the monument is decorated with works by prominent Czech artists such as Jan Štursa, author of the sculpture “The Wounded”, and Jaroslav Horejc, creator of figurative candelabras. The walls of the Hall of Fallen Warriors are adorned with mosaics by Max Švabinský and poetic verses by Vítězslav Nezval, made of Slivenec marble. This hall is dedicated to fighters of the two world wars, with urns containing soil from mass graves. An additional addition to the complex is the Hall of the Soviet Army, built in 1955. This space is lined with marble and decorated with mosaics by Vladimír Sychra and verses by Nezval, celebrating the role of the Red Army in the liberation of Czechoslovakia during World War II. Inside the sarcophagus of the Hall are the relics of an unknown Soviet soldier. The history of the National Monument on Vítkov also reflects the political vicissitudes of the 20th century. Initially intended to celebrate the heroism of Czechoslovak legionaries, the site was later adapted to serve the propagandistic needs of the communist regime. After the end of communism, the monument was renovated and reopened in 2009 as a museum space managed by the National Museum of the Czech Republic. Today, the monument hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore the history of Czech and Czechoslovak statehood, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the country’s political and social transformations. The monument also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Prague, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents. Visitors can stroll along the paths of Vítkov Park and admire the city from above, enjoying an environment that combines history, art, and nature.