The Bronze giant of Prague: 75 years of the Jan Žižka statue on Vítkov Hill
For 75 years, the monumental equestrian statue of Jan Žižka of Trocnov has dominated Prague’s Vítkov Hill, watching over the Czech capital. The impmressive landmak also has a remarkable story behind it.
Who was Jan Žižka?
A Hussite military leader who lived at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, Žižka was known as a brilliant strategist and commander of the Hussite movement. According to legend, he never lost a single battle, not even after losing both his eyes. He remains a symbol of bravery and determination in Czech history.
How was the statue created?
The idea of building a monument to Žižka dates back to the 19th century, but the statue itself wasn’t completed until 1950. Sculptor Bohumil Kafka worked on the statue using a real-life model—wrestler Antonín Jiránek—and a specially chosen horse named Theseus. The statue stands over 9 meters tall, weighs 16.5 tons, and is made up of 39 bronze pieces, welded together on-site.
Why visit Vítkov?
- National Memorial: A grand functionalist building housing exhibitions on Czech statehood and modern history.
- Panoramic view: From the top of the memorial, you’ll get a stunning view of the entire city.
- Nature and relaxation: Vítkov is a popular park, with walking and running trails, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym.
- Coffee break: Just a few steps away is the Sladká cesta café—a perfect spot to unwind with a great cup of coffee and a slice of cake.
