About this place
Charles VI Memorial in Hlavenec is a monumental Baroque monument standing on the edge of the village of Hlavenec, in the Praha-východ district a few kilometers north of Stará Boleslav. Rising nearly ten meters, this sandstone structure ranks among the most striking Baroque hunting memorials in the Czech Republic and is protected as a cultural monument.
Why was the memorial built?
The story behind the monument dates back to November 2, 1723, when Emperor Charles VI, during a ceremonial hunt held near Hlavenec, received the badge of the Order of St. Hubert — an honor awarded for hunting achievement. The memorial was commissioned by Count František Antonín Špork, an influential Bohemian nobleman and patron of the arts, who wanted to mark this event permanently. For Špork the gesture also had a practical purpose: he was actively courting the emperor's favor at the time, hoping it would strengthen his case for the Order of the Golden Fleece, one of the most prestigious honors of the Habsburg court.
Who designed and built it?
The architectural design came from František Maxmilián Kaňka, one of the leading architects of Bohemian Baroque, known for his work on numerous residences and churches of the period. The sculptural work was carried out by Matyáš Bernard Braun, one of the most celebrated sculptors of Central European Baroque, whose credits include statuary on Prague's Charles Bridge and the famous sculptural ensemble at Kuks — a site closely tied to Špork as his patron. The monument was completed in the first half of the 18th century.
What does the memorial look like?
The structure rests on a hexagonal stone base, from which rises the main sandstone monument, shaped like a baldachin supported on a three-sided plinth with concave, curved sides. The whole stands roughly 10 meters tall, with a width and depth of about 5.5 meters. The base is decorated with figural reliefs set within ornamental cartouches, depicting primarily hunting scenes that directly reference the event the memorial commemorates.
How do you get there?
The monument stands at the northeastern edge of Hlavenec, in the Praha-východ district, roughly 4 km north of Stará Boleslav. The area lies in the quiet, agricultural Polabí (Elbe lowlands) region, easily reached by car from Prague in about 40–50 minutes. Standing in the open air, the memorial can be viewed at any time without restriction, making it a convenient stop on a short trip combined with sightseeing along the Elbe river towns nearby.
Why is it worth seeing?
It's a rare example of a Baroque commemorative monument tied to a courtly hunt, combining top-tier artistic craftsmanship — the joint work of Kaňka and Braun — with a specific, documented historical event. For anyone interested in Baroque art or the history of the Habsburg court, the site offers a tangible look at how courtly gratitude and aristocratic ambition took physical shape in 18th-century Bohemia.
Frequently asked questions
What does the memorial in Hlavenec commemorate? It marks the moment on November 2, 1723, when Emperor Charles VI received the badge of the Order of St. Hubert during a hunt held near the village.
Who commissioned the memorial? Count František Antonín Špork commissioned it, hoping the gesture would help his bid for the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Who created the memorial? The architectural design is by František Maxmilián Kaňka, and the sculptural work was carried out by Matyáš Bernard Braun — both leading figures of Bohemian Baroque.
How large is the monument? It stands about 10 meters tall, with a width and depth of roughly 5.5 meters, resting on a hexagonal stone base.
Is the memorial a protected heritage site? Yes, the Charles VI Memorial in Hlavenec is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
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