Památník obětem válek

Památník obětem válek (Memorial to the Victims of Wars) is a small stone monument in Lázně Bohdaneč, a spa town in eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic, northwest of Pardubice. It stands within the local cemetery grounds and honors residents of Bohdaneč who died in both World Wars.

Where is the memorial?

The memorial sits by the cemetery in Lázně Bohdaneč — a quiet spot set back from the town's spa center, yet an easy walk for anyone staying in town for more than a day trip. The town itself lies in the Pardubice Region, a short drive from the city of Pardubice, and has long been known as a destination for balneological treatment. Its geographic coordinates are roughly 50.0667°N, 15.6785°E, useful for locating it on a map before a visit.

What does the memorial look like?

The monument is carved from sandstone, a material typical of Czech war memorials built in the early 20th century as well as those added decades later. It was unveiled in October 2003, the work of academic sculptor Jaroslav Černý. Its form is modest and restrained, in keeping with the style of many small-town Czech war memorials: no grand symbolism, just a clear message of remembrance for the residents of Bohdaneč who did not return from the First and Second World Wars.

Who is the memorial dedicated to?

The dedication and intent of the monument refer directly to the war victims from Bohdaneč. Across Czech towns and villages, similar memorials were commonly erected after 1918 to honor fallen soldiers and civilian victims of the First World War, with many later extended — or replaced by new monuments — to also commemorate victims of the Second World War. The Bohdaneč memorial, unveiled only in 2003 (considerably later than most memorials of this kind in the region), nonetheless continues that same tradition of a local community remembering its own.

Why is it worth a stop?

Lázně Bohdaneč is primarily a spa town, drawing visitors mainly for treatment and rest rather than historical sightseeing. The Memorial to the Victims of Wars is therefore not a headline attraction, but it offers a quiet, meaningful stop for anyone curious about local history — a reminder that even a small spa town had residents who paid the highest price in the wars of the 20th century. The cemetery grounds where the memorial stands are themselves a calm place for a short walk, away from the busier spa center.

When to visit?

Since the memorial is outdoors, the best time to see it is from spring through early autumn, when longer days and milder weather make walking through the cemetery grounds more pleasant. It pairs well with a spa stay in Bohdaneč or a day trip to nearby Pardubice — no ticket or booking is required, and the site is accessible year-round during the cemetery's opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Who created the memorial in Lázně Bohdaneč? It was created by academic sculptor Jaroslav Černý and unveiled in October 2003.

What material is the memorial made of? The memorial is made of sandstone.

Who does the memorial commemorate? It commemorates residents of Lázně Bohdaneč who died in the First and Second World Wars.

Where exactly is the memorial located? Within the cemetery grounds in Lázně Bohdaneč, close to the town center.

Is there an entrance fee? No — the memorial stands in the public cemetery grounds and can be visited free of charge during opening hours.