Pomník Jindřicha Šimona Baara Memorial

Welcome to this high-rise place where history combines itself with the widest horizons you can see in this part of the country. You're standing in front of a monumental piece that dominates the whole neighborhood. Before we go into his story, let yourself stand for a moment and perceive the atmosphere of this place. Look up, really high. In front of you is a 14-metre monument that connects the earth's soil to the sky as a fixed point. Feel the height, the weight, and the presence this place emits. If you look around now, you'll see why this place is chosen for that very purpose. You are on the Previews in the Klenčí nad Čerchov village and this view, which you have in front of you, is one of the most beautiful in all of Chodsko. Your eyes can now slide on hills, forests and villages, all the way to the Domazlice itself, which are looming in the distance. It's a look that must consume you.

Now, however, pay attention to the memorial itself, which stands right in front of you. What you see is not just a piece of stone and metal, but a living chronicle of human spirit, faith and suffering. This monument is dedicated to Henry Simon Baar. You may not remember his name, but for this territory and for the Czech people, this man was of great importance. He was not only a spiritual father, a priest, but also a respected writer whose words had weight and strength. This monument was created as an expression of respect for his character and his work. The whole process of its creation was carefully planned to match the size of the person it reminds of.

Let's see how this work was made. Notice the precision with which everything is connected. At the top of this 14-metre construction, you will see the most important - three-meter bronze statue of Henry Simon Baar himself. Watch as the light is reflected from this dark, shiny metal. The statue looks noble and human at the same time. Two great masters of their field were behind all this visual. The sculptor Ladislav Šaloun, who breathed in the bronze life and movement, and architect František Kuželka, who designed this whole monumental structure and ensured that it fit perfectly into this place and acted harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. When you look at the statue, try to perceive her face, her attitude as a priest and a writer looking into the world. It is a work that required not only technical art, but a deep understanding of the human soul.

But the history of this place is not just a story of fame and artistic success. It's also a story about fighting, about destruction and an incredible return to life. The first solemn revelation of this monument ended in 1933. It was a moment of joy and national pride that also accompanied the music of composer Henry Henry. People gathered to honor the memory of a man who meant so much to them. But the peaceful times weren't supposed to last forever.

Now we must return in time to the dark years when the weight of occupation prevails over our country. In 1940 the Nazis came, who tried to destroy everything that was important to Czech humanity. It wasn't just people who wanted to take over the territory, but also people who wanted to erase our memory and our identity. In this attack, the stone base on which the statue stood was brutally smashed. The monument was damaged, its foundation destroyed, and this place seemed to be ruined forever. But people didn't get broken. There was a time of incredible courage at that time. To prevent the statue from disappearing and completely destroyed, it was hidden in secret and in the greatest danger. They hid her in Chode Castle in Domazlice so the enemy wouldn't find her. Imagine the tension, the courage of people who risked their own lives to save this symbol.

After the war, when the clouds of darkness broke over the ground again, the time of recovery came. In 1947, the second solemn revelation took place. But it was different than the first. The monument no longer had its original appearance, but it gained a new pedestal. And it is in this new pedestal that there is something that gives him enormous spiritual weight. A stone from Lidice was placed in the stone. This stone is not just an ordinary stone from the soil. It is a symbol of pain, sacrifice and at the same time the immense power of survival. The presence of this stone here, at the feet of a statue of a priest and a writer, creates a bond between the fate of this place and the tragedy that the world had to experience.

Even in modern times, this monument is constantly changing and strengthening. In 2023, a thorough reconstruction took place, thanks to which we can stand here today and perceive this monument in its present, repaired and dignified form. It is proof that the memory of important people and of our common history must be kept constantly carefully for future generations.

If you want to better understand the size of this place, I suggest you now take a few steps around the monument. Notice how the view of the statue changes depending on the angle you're looking at. Feel the contrast between rock hardness and bronze smooth. And then, when you've had enough, look up to the horizon again. Let yourself be consumed by the wide view of Chodsko. It is precisely this combination of monumental art and infinite beauty of nature that makes this place special.

Thank you for spending this moment with us and for being interested in the story that is engraved in stone and bronze. We hope that this view and these words have enriched you. Continue to explore the surroundings now, explore other paths and enjoy the beauty of this landscape. Goodbye.