Památník Zámeček

Zámeček Memorial in Pardubice marks the site of a Nazi execution ground from the Second World War, combining a place of remembrance with a modern museum exhibition on the edge of the city.

What happened here?

Before the war, this quiet spot in the Pardubičky district was simply a shooting range belonging to the nearby Larisch villa. Everything changed after the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the acting Reich Protector, in May 1942. The occupying authorities declared what is known as the "second martial law" and turned the site into a place of mass execution. Between 3 June and 9 July 1942, 194 people were shot here, among them residents of the village of Ležáky, which was burned to the ground in retaliation for sheltering paratroopers linked to the operation against Heydrich.

How has the site evolved?

A first monument to the victims was unveiled as early as 31 October 1949, just a few years after the war ended. In 1978 the site was declared a National Cultural Monument, recognizing its significance in Czech history. Its present form dates from a major revitalization completed in 2021: the City of Pardubice launched a design competition in 2017, historian Vojtěch Kyncl developed the historical concept, and architects Jan Žalský and Vít Podráský designed the winning project. The result is a new museum building standing alongside the original memorial ground, with a contemporary exhibition that traces both the events of 1942–1943 and the individual stories of the people who died here, giving the statistics a human face.

How do you get there?

Zámeček sits on the outskirts of Pardubice, in the Pardubičky district, with parking accessible from Průmyslová street. Parking is free, though a time-limited disc system applies. The easiest way in by public transport is bus line 12, which runs directly from the main train station to the "Zámeček" stop. Lines 2, 27 and 28 also serve the "Zámeček" or "Černá za Bory, silo" stops, and line 1 stops at "Slovany, U Přejezdu," about a 10-minute walk from the memorial. Cyclists will find a bike rack in the parking area.

When should you visit?

The memorial operates on a seasonal schedule. From March to June it's open Tuesday to Friday from 1pm to 6pm and on weekends from 10am to 6pm. During the peak season in July and August, it opens daily from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. It's worth checking the schedule before visiting, especially outside the summer months, when opening hours are more limited.

Who is this memorial for?

Zámeček is essential for anyone interested in the history of the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, and pairs naturally with a visit to Lidice or Ležáky for a fuller picture of the 1942 reprisals. It also serves an educational purpose, with an exhibition designed to make this difficult history accessible to school groups and younger visitors without sensationalizing it.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died at Zámeček? Between 3 June and 9 July 1942, German occupying forces executed 194 people here, including residents of the village of Ležáky.

Is there an admission fee? Yes, a ticket is required for the museum exhibition, with reduced rates available for children, students, seniors and holders of disability cards.

Can you get there without a car? Yes — bus line 12 runs directly from Pardubice's main train station to the "Zámeček" stop, making it the most convenient option.

Is the memorial open year-round? Yes, though with shorter hours outside summer. Full opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday apply only in July and August.