Memorial to the Victims of Communism Monument

Address: Petřínské sady / Újezd area, Prague, Czech Republic (near Petřín Hill)

Hours: Open 24 hours (outdoor public memorial)

Admission: Free (outdoor sculpture)

The Memorial to the Victims of Communism is a sculptural monument in Prague that commemorates people who suffered under 20th century communist regimes. The work is best known for a sequence of bronze figures descending a flight of steps, with each figure progressively damaged to indicate suffering and loss.

The memorial includes inscriptions and plaques providing context about deportations, political imprisonments and executions that occurred during the communist period. It was unveiled in the early 21st century and has become a focal point for commemorative events and reflection on the country’s 20th century history.

Situated on a slope in Prague’s central area near the Újezd district and Petřín hill, the memorial is accessible from the city centre and is frequently visited by people following historical walking routes around central Prague.

• Design and date: Unveiled in 2002, the memorial uses a series of descending bronze figures to symbolise the physical and moral degradation caused by political repression.

Located near Petřín Hill and Újezd in central Prague. By tram, use lines 12, 20 or 22 to Újezd stop; it’s a short walk from Malá Strana and from the funicular that climbs Petřín.

• Stand back to appreciate the full effect of the descending figures - the scale is best judged from the pavement at a distance.
• Avoid visiting during midday heat in summer; late afternoon gives better light for photographs of the bronze figures.
• Read the plaques to understand the context - the memorial was completed in 2002 following public debate.