Monument to Karel Havlíček Borovský in Jičín

The Monument to Karel Havlíček Borovský stands in Jičín, in a small park between Československé armády, Argonská and Kukulova streets, right next to the town's famous linden tree avenue. It is one of the notable monuments dedicated to a Czech writer and journalist, and a good example of symbolic sculpture that pairs a historical portrait with a mythological motif.

Who is the monument dedicated to?

Karel Havlíček Borovský (1821–1856) was a Czech journalist, poet and politician, one of the leading figures of the 19th-century Czech National Revival. He was known for his sharp criticism of authority and censorship, which cost him exile to Brixen in Tyrol. He died in 1856, and the Jičín monument was raised specifically to mark the anniversary of his death.

When and why was the monument built?

The monument was unveiled on 29 July 1906, on the 50th anniversary of Havlíček's death. Choosing that symbolic date turned the unveiling into an act of national remembrance: around the turn of the 20th century, Havlíček stood for Czechs as a symbol of courage in defending freedom of speech and national identity under Habsburg rule.

What does the monument look like, and who designed it?

The design came from sculptor Jindřich Říha. The bronze bust of Havlíček was cast by Břetislav Matějíček, while the stonework on the sandstone pedestal was carried out by the Prague firm of František Řehoř and František Šmejkal. On-site assembly was handled by local master mason Antonín Holeček of Jičín. The whole monument stands 8 metres tall.

The pedestal is dominated by a monumental, life-size figure of Prometheus, bound in chains, with an eagle tearing at his body — a direct reference to the Greek myth of the Titan punished for giving fire to humankind. It works as a metaphor for suffering endured for the sake of freedom and truth, fitting neatly with Havlíček's own fate of exile for his outspoken journalism. The shaft carries the inscription "Karel Havlíček z Borové," and at Prometheus's feet is the sculptor's signature, "Fecit J. Říha," along with the names of the craftsmen who executed the work. The monument also bears a memorial plaque dedicated to Czech statehood.

Has the monument always stood in the same spot?

No. It originally stood at the entrance to Jičín's linden tree avenue. During the German occupation, in 1943, it was removed — as happened to many monuments to national figures at the time. After the war it was relocated to a park near the town's barracks, and its original spot was occupied between 1952 and 1990 by a socialist-realist sculpture. Havlíček only returned to a prominent public setting after the political changes.

Was the monument ever restored?

Yes. In 1996 it was restored by academic sculptor Petr Roztočil, and the surrounding park area was cleaned up and redesigned. Thanks to that work, the sculptural detail and the condition of the sandstone pedestal remain in good shape today.

Where exactly is the monument located today?

The monument now stands in a small park at the junction of Československé armády, Argonská and Kukulova streets, close to the historic linden tree avenue — one of Jičín's recognisable local landmarks. It's a quiet spot, popular with visitors who combine a walk through the old town with a stroll along the avenue.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Karel Havlíček Borovský? A 19th-century Czech journalist, poet and politician, remembered as a symbol of resistance to censorship and a champion of free speech under Habsburg rule.

When was the monument unveiled? On 29 July 1906, the 50th anniversary of Havlíček's death.

Who designed the monument? Sculptor Jindřich Říha; the bust was cast by Břetislav Matějíček, and the stonework was carried out by the Prague firm of Řehoř and Šmejkal.

Why does the monument feature Prometheus? It's a symbolic reference to the Titan punished for giving fire to humankind — a metaphor for suffering in the name of freedom and truth, echoing Havlíček's own fate.

Has the monument always stood where it is now? No — it originally stood at the start of the linden avenue, was removed in 1943, and was relocated to its current park after the war.