About this place
The František Škroup Monument stands in Osice, a small village in the Hradec Králové district, right next to the local elementary school building. It's a modest site, but one that carries real weight for local identity, honoring the village's most famous native son — a composer whose melody would later become the Czech national anthem.
Who was František Škroup?
František Jan Škroup was born in Osice in 1801 and died in 1862 in Rotterdam. He was a composer and conductor, one of the notable figures of Czech musical life in the 19th century. His most lasting legacy is the melody of the song "Kde domov můj" ("Where Is My Home"), which was later adopted as the Czech national anthem. The fact that the author of a piece so central to national identity came from a small village in the Hradec Králové region is a point of pride for Osice and a defining reference in its local history.
How did the monument come to be?
The story behind the monument itself is unusual. At the time, an art competition was underway for a memorial to be placed at the composer's grave in Rotterdam, where he died and was buried. One of the entries that did not win the competition found a new purpose after the contest ended: it was decided that it would be installed in Škroup's home village instead. The monument was unveiled in 1964, and its placement next to the school is no coincidence — it ensures that generation after generation of pupils have a daily reminder of their famous predecessor.
What does the monument look like?
The monument consists of a bronze bust of the composer set on a circular pedestal of polished granite. The pedestal bears an inscription in bronze letters reading "František Jan Škroup," and the composition is completed by a decorative linden-branch motif — a symbol deeply rooted in Czech national and cultural tradition.
What happened to the original bust?
The monument's history includes a dramatic episode. In 2006, the bronze bust was stolen, most likely for the value of the metal. For the residents of Osice, this was a loss that was both material and symbolic — the physical likeness of the man their village takes pride in had simply disappeared. Rather than leave the pedestal empty, the municipality decided to fund the creation of a new bust, which has adorned the monument ever since.
Why is it worth a visit?
The František Škroup Monument is a stop for anyone interested in music history and Czech national identity as it plays out in practice — not in a big city, but in the actual village where the story began, the composer's birthplace. It pairs well with exploring the wider Hradec Králové region, and for travelers drawn to lesser-known historical trails, it offers an interesting complement to the area's bigger attractions.
Frequently asked questions
Who was František Škroup? A composer born in Osice in 1801, the author of the melody that became the Czech national anthem.
When was the monument unveiled? In 1964.
What is the monument made of? A bronze bust on a polished granite pedestal, with an inscription and a linden-branch motif.
Is this the original bust from 1964? No — the original was stolen in 2006, and the municipality of Osice funded a replacement.
Where exactly is the monument located? Next to the local elementary school building in Osice.
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