pomník Jana Husa Statue

Welcome to Chrudim. You have just stopped in a pleasant and quiet environment of Žižkov Square, which resembles its greenery and modified form a relaxing park rather than a busy city centre. You're standing right in front of one of the most important symbols of this city. Before your eyes stands the bronze monument of Master Jan Hus. Before we dig deeper into his history and details, stop for a moment and just feel the atmosphere of this place. Feel the calm of the surrounding park and let yourself be drawn into the story which is told here through metal, stone and artistic will.

Now look at the statue itself. Notice how masterfully the character of Master Jan Hus is captured. It is shown here in a long, heavy coat, which gives it enormous dignity and seriousness. This cloak is not only a garment, but a symbol of its position and of the era it represented. In his hands, with some ease, he holds the book. This book is a key element that reminds him of his life's work, his tireless quest for truth and his dedication to word and knowledge. Now, please look up. Look at the face of the master. His head is erect, and his eyes are pointing up, towards the sky. This detail is extremely powerful. It suggests a search for higher ideals, a spiritual rise and unwavering faith in what is right, even if it seems far beyond the horizon.

This whole bronze character is on solid ground. Note the marble pedestal that supports the statue and gives it a noble look. This marble stands on two granite stairs. Feel this contrast of materials - the smooth and noble nature of marble meets the unwavering strength and roughness of granite. These stones together create a sense of stability and duration, which perfectly matches the legacy of Jan Hus's character for all of us.

But now we need to move forward in time and understand how this monument has become part of this square. His journey was neither short nor easy. The idea of its creation began to be born in the hearts of people long before the First World War. It was not an idea that was created overnight, but a result of a long and patient process. A man named Karel Pippich played a major role in this process. It was thanks to his efforts and the establishment of a special association to build this monument in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-five that this great project could be implemented.

It is interesting that already in the year one thousand nine hundred thirteen introduced another important sculptor, Ladislav Šaloun, the first plaster model of this work. This shows how deep the root of this quest to honor Master Goose's memory is. The completion and festive unveiling of this bronze work took place on a beautiful summer day, the sixth of July in the year a thousand nine hundred thirty. Imagine the joy and pride the city felt when this symbol was finally revealed to all citizens.

This is all the success behind the exceptional cooperation of artists. The main creator of the bronze statue was the academic sculptor Josef Mařatka. His ability to breathe in metal life and emotion is evident in every place in this figure. But other important creators, such as architect Josef Gočár, were also involved in the creation of this place, which helped with the overall perception of this space.

Now, if you look at the monument as a whole, you realize it's not just a work of art, it's a protected treasure. Since the year one thousand nine hundred fifty eight, this building has been declared a cultural monument. This means that its value is so high for all of us that we must ensure that it remains preserved in this form for all future generations that come after us.

Here, in this place, history, art and deep human faith meet. Every detail, from the texture of the bronze coat to the direction of Master Goose's view, tells us the story of the search for truth and the courage to stand by its values. I hope that this short journey has enriched you with time and space, and that this view of Master Jan Hus in Chrudim is remembered.

But I will no longer hold you back. Continue along Žižkov Square, walk through its park paths and discover more beauty and secrets of our city. I wish you a nice walk and many other interesting experiences. Goodbye.