Home Destinations Europe Czech Republic Prague Sights Jan Hus monument

Jan Hus monument Review

Read our Prague sights reviews. Or post your own.

Jan Hus monument

Address: Staromestské námestí, Staré Mesto, Prague, Bohemia

Category: Public Art (Mural/Sculpture/Statue), Memorials/Monuments
Location: Staré Mesto

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

Few memorials in Prague have elicited as much controversy as this one, which was dedicated in July 1915, exactly 500 years after Hus was burned at the stake in Constance, Germany. Some maintain that the monument's Secessionist style (the inscription seems to come right from turn-of-the-20th-century Vienna) clashes with the Gothic and baroque style of the square. Others dispute the romantic depiction of Hus, who appears here as tall and bearded in flowing garb. The real Hus, historians maintain, was short and had a baby face. Still, no one can take issue with this fiery preacher's influence. His ability to transform doctrinal disputes, both literally and metaphorically, into the language of the common man made him into a religious and national symbol for the Czechs.

Find more sights in Prague »