Jan Žižka memorial

The Jan Žižka memorial stands exactly on the boundary between two Czech villages, Janštejn and Horní Dubenky, marking one of the most recognizable military commanders in Czech history.

Who was Jan Žižka?

Jan Žižka led Hussite forces during the first half of the 15th century, through the Hussite Wars fought across Bohemia and Moravia between 1419 and 1434. The Hussite movement his army fought for grew out of the teachings of Jan Hus, who was executed in 1415. Žižka had already lost sight in one eye before the Hussite campaigns began, and he went completely blind in his later years — yet he continued to command troops in person and, according to historical accounts, never lost a battle he led. He died in 1424. He remains one of the best-known figures in Czech military history, and stones and monuments marking his campaigns can be found in several places across the country.

Where exactly does the memorial stand?

The memorial sits right where the administrative borders of Janštejn and Horní Dubenky meet — an unusual situation in which a single monument belongs to two neighboring municipalities at once. Its coordinates are 49.2532803 N, 15.3164381 E. It stands away from any village center, in open countryside, so the easiest way to plan a visit is with a hiking map app such as Mapy.cz.

Is it a protected heritage site?

Yes. The memorial is listed in the Czech Republic's cultural monument register under catalogue number 1000137472, with heritage protection ID 26305/7-4832. That official listing means local heritage authorities recognize this stone marker as a piece of the region's historical heritage rather than an ordinary roadside boulder.

What should visitors know before going?

The memorial stands in rural terrain with uneven ground nearby, so sturdy footwear is worth packing. There is no built-up tourist infrastructure around it — no dedicated parking, information boards, or food stops right at the site. It suits travelers looking for a quiet, historically grounded stop along a route through the Vysočina countryside rather than a fully serviced attraction.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jan Žižka, the man honored by this memorial? He commanded Hussite forces in the 15th century and was known for leading his armies to victory despite losing his eyesight. He died in 1424.

Where exactly is the memorial located? On the border between the villages of Janštejn and Horní Dubenky in the Czech Republic, at coordinates 49.2532803 N, 15.3164381 E.

Is the memorial officially protected as a heritage site? Yes, it is registered in the Czech cultural monument catalogue under number 1000137472.

Are there tourist facilities nearby? No — it is a small, isolated marker in open countryside with no tourist infrastructure, so it's worth planning the route and footwear in advance.

Can you drive right up to the memorial? There is no designated parking directly at the site — the best approach is to plan the route with a hiking map and cover the final stretch on foot across open ground.