The Saint Wenceslas Monument, depicting the patron saint of the Czech Republic, is an iconic symbol of the city of Prague and a popular meeting spot. Learn about the story of Wenceslaus I and take pictures in front of the well-known monument.
Though many visitors may be familiar with the “Good King Wenceslas” from the Christmas carol of the same name, they may not know the full story associated with the 10th-century Catholic Duke of Bohemia. After being martyred by his evil brother, the appropriately named Boleslav the Cruel, Wenceslas was made patron saint of the Czech Republic. Visit Wenceslas’ tomb in Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral to pay tribute to the saint.
Take a guided tour around the New Town to find out more about the monument. Created between 1887 and 1924, the sculpture was made by Czech artist Josef Václav Myslbek.It depicts the former duke sitting atop a horse and measures more than 23 feet (7.2 meters) from base to tip including the pedestal.
Examine the smaller statues that stand underneath the larger raised equestrian bronze. These are of various other Czech patron saints, including St. Ludmila, St, Agnes, St. Prokop and St. Adalbert. An inscription on the monument translates to mean “St. Wenceslas, Leader of the Czech Lands, our Prince, do not let us die nor those yet to come.”
Find out about the many historic moments that the statue has borne witness to. For instance, in 1918, Czech novelist Alois Jirásek read out the declaration of independence from this very spot. And in 1989, citizens protested here on the square against police attacks during the Velvet Revolution.
Find the Saint Wenceslas Monument on Wenceslas Square in Prague’s New Town. Because of its size and prominent position, the sculpture is almost impossible to miss. Near the statue lies a horizontal bronze cross, which appears to almost emerge directly from the cobbles. This smaller and oft-overlooked memorial is dedicated to Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc, two students who performed self-immolation in protest of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
