František Palacký Monument, Prague

Impressive Art Nouveau national monument to Czech historian Palacký, at the bridgehead in Prague's New Town.

The František Palacký Monument dominates Palacký Square at the bridgehead of Palacký Bridge in Prague's New Town. Unveiled in 1912 in honour of the great Czech historian and politician František Palacký (1798–1876), the leading figure of the Czech National Revival, the Art Nouveau design by Stanislav Sucharda shows Palacký surrounded by bronze figures symbolising the Czech people's struggle for freedom. At the time of its unveiling it was celebrated as a triumphant statement of cultural emancipation from Habsburg rule.