National Monument at Vítkov

Prague, Czech Republic

The National Monument at Vítkov on top of Vítkov Hill in Prague's Žižkov district is one of the most important buildings related to the development of Czechoslovak/Czech statehood.

It includes the third-largest bronze rider statue in the world, of Jan Žižka, who defeated the Catholic forces led by King Sigismund in 1420 at the Battle of Vítkov Hill. The Monument also includes the Ceremonial Hall, an exhibition entitled Crossroads of Czech and Czechoslovak Statehood, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other exhibition halls.

The Monument was built from 1928 to 1938 in honor of the World War I Czechoslovak legionaries. After 1948, it was used to promote the communist regime. Between 1954 and 1962, it housed the mausoleum of Klement Gottwald. In 2000, the monument was acquired by the National Museum, which conducted a major restoration work. After over two years of reconstruction, the Memorial was opened to the public on 29 October 2009.

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Founded: 1928-1938
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Czech Republic

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mark Clayton (24 days ago)
Slightly away from the main tourist centre but very much worth the walk - from the outside, the monument doesn't appear to be much more than a brutalist monolith but the elaborate bronze doors give a hint of just how impressive the interior turns out to be. The tomb of the unknown soldier is a sombre and intimate space but the inner hall is on a monumental scale and takes your breath away. The small roof platform is well worth the journey up for uninterrupted views across the city to the castle and the TV tower. Unfortunately, the museum is currently undergoing renovation and won't reopen till September but there's enough to see without it to make the visit worth your time.
Charlie Clark (3 months ago)
A stunning memorial with views that make the uphill climb well worth it. Once at the top, you can wander through the grounds and step inside the memorial for free, where panoramic views of the entire city await. On the second floor, the staff offered a bit of history about the statue out front, adding a meaningful touch to an already beautiful experience.
fotke telefon (4 months ago)
Beautiful view over Prague city center panorama. The walk up the hill is a bit strenuous, but the view is worth it. Once up, take a walk around and enjoy!
Michael Lees (4 months ago)
Well worth the hike up the hill. Free to visit monument that features an impressive statue and several murals. Inside the building, a lift takes you up to an observation deck with breathtaking views of the city.
Liam Platt (6 months ago)
I didn't venture into the museum, but getting to the National Monument was more exhausting than anticipated, and not worth the effort. Due to ongoing roadworks, there's no direct road access, so I had to endure a steep climb to reach it, which resulted in a strained hamstring. Unfortunately, the destination didn't justify the journey, as there wasn't much to see once I arrived.
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