10 Facts About the History of the Jan Hus Monument in Prague

The history of the Jan Hus Monument in Prague began long before its 1915 unveiling. Jan Hus was a priest who wanted to change the church. He was burned at the stake in 1415. Exactly 500 years later, the city revealed this monument. It is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design. The monument is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Prague. It stands as a symbol of national identity and resistance.

The sculpture features several groups of figures. You can see Hussite warriors and modern exiles. The central figure of Hus looks toward the Týn Church. The monument is hollow and has a complex interior structure. It survived several political regimes over the last century. Today, it remains a focal point for what to see in Prague Old Town Square.

1. Name: Jan Hus Monument Type: sight Why go: To see the most important symbol of Czech reform. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Center of Old Town Square. Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Read the inscription "Love each other" on the base.
2. Name: The Hussite Warriors Type: sight Why go: These figures represent the strength of the Czech people. Best for: Art lovers. Where: North side of the monument. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Part of the main monument. Tip: Notice the detailed armor on the bronze figures.
3. Name: Ladislav Šaloun’s Art Nouveau Design Type: experience Why go: To see one of the best Art Nouveau sculptures in Europe. Best for: Design fans. Where: Entire monument structure. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Center of the square. Tip: Look at the flowing, organic lines of the bronze.
4. Name: The 1915 Unveiling Site Type: experience Why go: To stand where history was made during World War I. Best for: History buffs. Where: The surrounding pavement. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Center of Old Town Square. Tip: Imagine the square without modern shops during the unveiling.
5. Name: The Marian Column Type: sight Why go: This recently rebuilt column offers a religious contrast to Hus. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Near the Jan Hus Monument. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 30 meters from the Hus statue. Tip: This column was originally destroyed in 1918.
6. Name: The 27 White Crosses Type: sight Why go: They mark the spot of a famous 1621 execution. Best for: Dark history fans. Where: Near the Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Pavement next to the clock tower. Tip: Don't step on them if you want to be respectful.
7. Name: The Prague Meridian Type: sight Why go: See where the sun used to mark high noon. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Pavement in Old Town Square. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the brass strip in the ground. Tip: It is located very close to the Marian Column.
8. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: sight Why go: For the best view of the Jan Hus Monument from above. Best for: Photographers. Where: West side of the square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 300 CZK. Getting there: Walk to the Astronomical Clock. Tip: Take the elevator to the top for easy access.
9. Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: sight Why go: This gothic church was the center of the Hussite movement. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: East side of the square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk across from the monument. Tip: Entry is through a small alleyway between restaurants.
10. Name: Kinský Palace Type: sight Why go: A beautiful Rococo building that houses the National Gallery. Best for: Art fans. Where: Behind the Jan Hus Monument. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: North-east side of the square. Tip: The balcony was used for famous political speeches.

Essential Old Town Square Sightseeing Highlights

Old Town Square is the soul of Prague. Beyond the Jan Hus Monument, there are many treasures to find. Most visitors start at the Astronomical Clock. This medieval clock shows a mechanical show every hour. It is a top pick in any Prague sightseeing guide. The square also hosts vibrant seasonal markets. During Christmas and Easter, the area fills with wooden stalls.

For a unique experience, visit the official tourism board site to check for events. You might find a concert or a festival happening right in the square. The architecture here spans many centuries. You can see Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo styles all in one place. It is truly an outdoor museum of European history.