The Monument to Jan Husa (Památník Jana Husa) is a monumental monument to the national hero Jan Husa in Prague, which is one of the most important symbolist works of Czech monumental sculpture in the Art Nouveau style.
The monument to Jan Huss is located in the heart of the old town of Prague, on the famous The Old Town Square (Staroměstske naměstí) and is surrounded by such dominants as the Kinski Palace (National Gallery Prague), the house at the Stone Bell (Gallery of the Capital Prague), Tynsky temple, the church of St. Nicholas and The Old Town Hall with astronomical Prague chimes and an observation deck in the tower.
Views of the monument to Jan Gus in the ensemble of the Old Town Square
The monument to Jan Huss was created by Czech sculptor Ladislav Shaloun and opened in 1915.
The very idea of a memorial place dedicated to the Czech preacher, thinker, reformer and national hero Jan Hus (Jan Hus, 1369 - July 6, 1415) arose at the end of the 19th century and caused great political controversy and controversy. In particular, Prince Karel Schwarzenberg spoke contemptuously about the Hussites, calling them "a gang of robbers and arsonists," in turn, such a sharp statement caused a violent reaction from the Young Czechs, and as a response, it was decided to build a large-scale monument to the Goose in Prague.
Remark! Jan Huss was burned together with his works on July 6, 1415 in Constance. The execution of Huss caused the Hussite Wars of 1419-1434.
A competition was appointed for the project of the monument, in which the project of Ladislav Shaloun was recognized as the best. To work on the monument, the sculptor built a new workshop. The foundation stone of the monument was laid in July 1903, and the opening took place on July 6, 1915, on the day of the 500th anniversary of the burning of Jan Hus.
The inscription on the monument was added after the formation of the republic (1918), and fire bowls and railings were added in 1926.
Today this monumental monument is an integral part and decoration of the most significant square of the Old City of Prague - Old Town Square. It is protected as a national monument of culture of the Czech Republic.
The bronze monument in the Art Nouveau style is a sculptural group, the dominant of which is the image of Jan Hus in the center, whose gaze is turned towards the Main Hussite Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn (Tyn Temple).
In addition, in the sculptural group, near Jan Hus, two groups of people are depicted, some of which symbolize the Hussites - warriors with spears, and the other - modest exiles who left Bohemia after the battle of White Mountain in 1620.
The entire sculptural group is placed on a wide granite pedestal of approximately elliptical shape. Inscriptions are carved around the perimeter of the pedestal: "Love each other, do not deny the truth to anyone" (Milujte se, pravdy každému přejte, Jan Huss), "We believe that the government will turn to you again, the Czech people" (Věřím, že vláda věcí Tvých k Tobě se zase navrátí, ó lide český, Jan Amos Komensky) and fragments of the text the chorale "Who are the warriors of God".
Practical information
The monument to Jan Gus is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day.
Address of the monument to Jan Huss: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic.
Coordinates of the monument to Jan Gus: 50°05'16.0"N 14°25'16.0"E (50.087778, 14.421111).
All accommodation facilities in Prague (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
