National Monument in Vitkov

The National Monument on top of Vítkov hill in Prague's Žižkov district belongs among the most important buildings connected to the development of Czechoslovak/Czech statehood.

It includes the equestrian statue of Jan Žižka, the third largest bronze equestrian statue in the world. The statue was built in honor of Jan Žižka, who in the Battle of Vítkov Hill in 1420 defeated king Sigismund. The Monument also includes the Ceremonial Hall, an exhibition entitled Crossroads of Czech and Czechoslovak Statehood, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other exhibition halls.

The Monument was built in the years 1928–1938 in honour of the Czechoslovak legionaries. After 1948, it was used to promote the communist regime. Between 1954-1962 the mausoleum of Klement Gottwald was placed there. In 2000, the National Monument in Vitkov was acquired by the National Museum, which conducted a major restoration work. After over two years of reconstruction, the Memorial was opened to the public on October 29, 2009.

Vitkov has always attracted Prague's citizens and is linked with important events in Czech history. The first written mention of Vitkov dates back to the 14th century, to the time of Charles IV, who had vineyards planted on the hills around Prague. The vineyards stretched from the foot of Vitkov through Vinohrady to Karlov. Besides grapes, Vitkov hill was also used for the cultivation of hops.

Vitkov played a major role in the Hussite wars. In April and May 1420, Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor led a crusading army against the Hussite movement. As Sigismund proceeded towards Prague, the representatives of the city decided to stand against Sigismund and asked Tábor and other Hussite-controlled boroughs for help. Sigismund seized Hradcany and Vysehrad while the Hussite forces controlled Vitkov. The decisive Battle of Vítkov Hill took place on 14 July 1420 when the Hussite forces defeated the crusader army.

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Wikipedia