National Monument at Vítkov Monument

Website: https://www.nm.cz/en/visit-us/national-memorial-at-vitkov

The National Monument at Vítkov is a large national memorial complex on Vítkov Hill in Prague’s Žižkov district, centered around a monumental equestrian statue. It commemorates Czechoslovak national history and military sacrifice.

The site’s most striking element is the vast bronze equestrian statue of Jan Žižka, which dominates the hilltop and is visible from many parts of the city. The memorial building behind the statue houses exhibition spaces and displays relating to the nation’s military and civic history.

Construction of the memorial complex took place in the interwar period and the ensemble has served various commemorative roles through the 20th century. The building and statue have been maintained as a national memorial and museum site.

Located on Vítkov Hill overlooking Prague, the monument sits in the eastern part of central Prague and is reached by road or on foot from the Žižkov neighbourhood.

• Žižka statue: The equestrian statue of Jan Žižka is one of the largest bronze equestrian statues in the world and dominates the hilltop ensemble.
• Viewpoint: The terrace and approaches offer wide views over Prague, making the site useful for panoramic photographs of the city.

What to See#

• Jan Žižka statue: A large bronze equestrian statue of the Hussite leader Jan Žižka, notable for its sheer scale and prominent placement on the hill.
• Memorial building: The memorial building contains exhibition spaces and commemorative displays covering military and national history.

From Prague city centre, take tram lines 9 or 10 to the Vozovna Žižkov stop and walk 10-15 minutes uphill along U Památníka or through the park; alternatively, tram 11 stops closer to the base of the hill. A 25-35 minute walk from Wenceslas Square is straightforward and rewards with changing urban scenes.

• Approach on foot from Žižkov to catch the best, unobstructed view of the massive bronze Hussite rider; avoid the narrow service road and use the main path up Vítkov Hill.
• Enter the memorial through the main hall-look for the worn grooves on the marble steps left by decades of visitors and ceremonies.
• Combine with a visit to the nearby Žižkov Television Tower for contrasting 20th- and 21st-century Prague panoramas.