At Palackého náměstí in Prague’s Nové Město, this large monument commemorates František Palacký, the 19th-century Czech historian and politician known as the “Father of the Nation.” Palacký sits at the centre of an elaborate Art Nouveau sculpture, surrounded by figures in a religious allegory of the struggle between good and evil. Its unusual, asymmetrical composition sets it apart from more conventional memorials. Stop to look closely at the groups of figures, then explore the sculptures, gardens and buildings in the surrounding area.
Palacký at the centre
The monument honours František Palacký, a 19th-century historian and politician associated with the Czech National Revival. He is also known as the “Father of the Nation.” His seated figure occupies the centre of the sculptural composition.
Around him, groups of figures form a religious allegory of good and evil. Look closely at how the surrounding figures gather around the central figure and at the different details across the sculpture.
A different kind of memorial
The monument’s Art Nouveau design is notably asymmetrical, giving the large sculpture an unusual outline. Its scale and arrangement make it worth pausing to take in the whole composition before examining its smaller details.
The square is part of an area with other sculptures, gardens and historic buildings. A walk through the surroundings adds more context to this stop in Nové Město.
Preguntas frecuentes
Who does the František Palacký Monument commemorate?
It commemorates František Palacký, a 19th-century Czech historian and politician associated with the Czech National Revival.
What does the monument depict?
Palacký sits at the centre of a religious allegory showing a struggle between good and evil.
Where is the monument?
It is at Palackého náměstí in Prague’s Nové Město.
