The bronze statue of Jan Žižka weighs approximately 16.5 tons and is held together by over 5,000 bolts.
The interior of the memorial features a rare Art Deco ceremonial hall with granite and marble surfaces.
A glass sarcophagus was once used to display the embalmed body of communist leader Klement Gottwald in the memorial's underground chambers.
The hill's southern slope is a protected natural monument due to its specific thermophilic plant species and insect populations.
The memorial was originally intended to be a monument to the Czechoslovak Legionaries of World War I.
Vítkov Hill is a prominent ridge in Prague dominated by the National Memorial, which houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The site is anchored by one of the world's largest equestrian statues, depicting the Hussite leader Jan Žižka. The hill served as the site of the 1420 Battle of Vítkov, where Hussite forces defeated the army of Emperor Sigismund. The memorial building, designed in the Functionalist style by Jan Zázvorka, was completed in 1938 and later served as a mausoleum for Klement Gottwald. The site features an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city center and the Žižkov district. Extensive paved paths make the area accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and runners. A dedicated museum exhibition inside the memorial explores 20th-century Czechoslovak history. The park serves as a green buffer between the districts of Žižkov and Karlín.
The plaza directly in front of the Jan Žižka statue, facing the city center.
Walk the full length of the ridge to see the memorial from the front and the park from the rear.
Bring wind-resistant clothing as the hilltop is exposed and often experiences strong gusts.
Visit the underground vault where the history of the mausoleum is documented.
Do not attempt to climb the equestrian statue or stand on the memorial's ledge, as the area is under surveillance.
The National Memorial interior is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the National Memorial, as it remains a place of national commemoration and a tomb.
