Jan Hus

The Monument to Master Jan Hus stands right in the heart of Jičín, on the pedestrian street Husova třída, and ranks as the oldest monument to the Czech religious reformer anywhere in the Czech lands. Carved from sandstone in the romantic style typical of the 19th century, the statue shows a preacher gazing skyward with a Bible in hand, and its story begins in 1872 — decades before Hus monuments became common across Bohemia.

Where exactly does the monument stand?

The monument is located on Husova třída, a pedestrian street in the centre of Jičín, roughly in its middle section. It sits within easy walking distance of the town square, making it a natural stop on any short walk through the historic centre.

What does the monument look like?

A life-size figure of Jan Hus, carved from sandstone, stands on a stone pedestal. The sculptor portrayed him according to the 19th-century romantic conception of a Protestant preacher: Hus wears a cassock with a wide collar and wide sleeves, a beret covering his longer curly hair, and a full beard. His gaze is directed upward, his right hand raised slightly as if pointing to heaven, and his left hand holds a Bible.

The front of the pedestal bears an inscription engraved in gold letters: "Vděčné památce Mistra Jana Husa občanstvo Jičínské 1872" ("To the grateful memory of Master Jan Hus, from the citizens of Jičín, 1872"). The sculptor's signature, Antonín Sucharda, appears on the upper part of the pedestal.

Who designed it, and when was it built?

The statue was created by Antonín Sucharda, a stonemason from nearby Nová Paka. The monument was unveiled on 7 July 1872, making it the oldest monument to Master Jan Hus anywhere in the Czech lands — erected more than two decades before the wave of Hus memorials that swept across Bohemia around the turn of the 20th century, including around the 500th anniversary of his death in 1915.

Who paid for it?

The monument was funded mainly through a public collection among the residents of Jičín. The town itself contributed only a token 20 florins (guldens) toward the cost — the rest was covered by the citizens themselves, underlining how strongly the commemoration of Hus was regarded as a civic, grassroots cause at the time.

Has the monument always stood in this exact spot?

No. Since its unveiling in 1872, the monument has been moved and reoriented over the years, notably during work carried out in 1906. Its current position on Husova třída is therefore the result of these later changes, even though the statue and pedestal themselves remain the originals from 1872.

Who was Jan Hus?

Jan Hus was a Czech theologian, philosopher and church reformer, rector of Charles University in Prague, regarded as one of the forerunners of Protestantism. Influenced by the ideas of John Wycliffe, his activity anticipated Martin Luther's stand by roughly a century and made Hus one of the central figures of Czech history and national identity — which explains why a monument to him was raised in Jičín as early as the 19th century.

Frequently asked questions

Where in Jičín does the Jan Hus monument stand? On the pedestrian street Husova třída, in the centre of town.

Who created the monument? Stonemason Antonín Sucharda from Nová Paka.

When was the monument built? It was unveiled on 7 July 1872.

Is it the oldest Jan Hus monument in the Czech Republic? Yes, it is considered the oldest monument to Master Jan Hus in the Czech lands.

What material is it made of? Sandstone — both the pedestal and the life-size figure.

Who paid for the construction? Mainly the residents of Jičín through a public collection; the town contributed only a token 20 florins.