At the upper end of Wenceslas Square in Prague, the Statue of Saint Wenceslas stands before the National Museum. Josef Václav Myslbek created the bronze equestrian monument between 1887 and 1924: Saint Wenceslas sits on horseback, with four Czech patron saints around the base. It is a central symbol of Czech identity and a useful landmark as you explore the square. Look closely at the sculptural group, then continue to the nearby Jan Palach memorial. The statue is accessible at any time, though renovation work has affected parts of the square.
A sculptural group at the top of the square
The monument stands at the upper end of Wenceslas Square, in front of the National Museum. Josef Václav Myslbek worked on the bronze group between 1887 and 1924. Saint Wenceslas sits on horseback, with four other Czech patron saints arranged around the base: Saint Ludmila, Saint Agnes, Saint Procopius and Saint Adalbert.
The horse was modeled on Ardo, Myslbek’s military stallion. Together, the figures make the monument more than a single equestrian statue: take a moment to look at the saints gathered below the rider.
A landmark in Czech public life
The statue is closely associated with Czech identity and national pride. Wenceslas Square has also been a gathering place for important public events and demonstrations in the country’s modern history.
As you walk down the square, the Jan Palach memorial is another nearby stop. Palach set himself on fire there in 1969 to protest the Soviet occupation. The statue and memorial offer distinct points of context for this part of Prague.
Seeing the square during renovation
Renovation work has affected parts of the upper square. The work has not closed the shops, businesses or subway stations on either side, but parking availability has been reduced. Plans for later phases include reintroducing trams and restricting car traffic; check current conditions if you are arriving by car.
The statue remains accessible around the clock. Its appearance changes with the light, and it is illuminated after dark. You can see it on a walk through the square, then continue toward the museum or the Jan Palach memorial.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Statue of Saint Wenceslas?
It stands at the upper end of Wenceslas Square, in front of the National Museum in Prague.
Who created the statue?
Czech sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek worked on the bronze monument between 1887 and 1924.
Which saints are shown with Saint Wenceslas?
Saint Ludmila, Saint Agnes, Saint Procopius and Saint Adalbert appear around the base.
Is the statue accessible at night?
Yes. The site is open around the clock, and the monument is illuminated after dark.
