Statue of August Zátka

The Statue of August Zátka is a bronze monument standing in the center of České Budějovice, honoring a local businessman and economic-political figure active at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is one of the few monuments in the city dedicated to a civic figure rather than a ruler or historical event — a sign of how deeply Zátka's work shaped the community's memory.

Who was August Zátka?

JUDr. August Zátka was among the most influential Czech economic and political figures active in České Budějovice around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. He founded cooperatives, banks, and a brewery, building up the local financial and economic infrastructure at a time when the Czech-speaking middle class was still gaining ground in a city long dominated by a German-speaking elite. His activity went beyond business — he was also engaged in the city's public life, supporting the growth of Czech-language schools and public institutions.

How the monument came to be

The statue was designed by Bohumil Kafka, one of the most respected Czech monumental sculptors of his era, also known for the Jan Žižka monument in Prague. Architect Josef Gočár, a leading figure of Czech modernist and cubist architecture, collaborated on the scale and design of the pedestal. The statue of August Zátka was ceremonially unveiled on 28 September 1936, on the square in front of the town hall in České Budějovice.

The figure itself was cast in black bronze, composed of 93% copper and 7% tin, with the casting carried out by the Prague foundry of Karel Barták. The statue stands roughly 3.5 meters tall, and together with its 3-meter pedestal it forms one of the more imposing figurative public monuments in the city.

Where to find it

The monument stands in the heart of České Budějovice, close to the town hall, underlining the importance the city placed on Zátka's memory — placing the statue right next to the seat of municipal government was reportedly a point of discussion among town councilors at the time. Its central location makes it an easy stop while exploring the historic city center, including the nearby Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II, one of the largest medieval town squares in Central Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Who was August Zátka, and why was a monument built for him? August Zátka was a Czech economic and political activist who, around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, founded cooperatives, banks, and a brewery in České Budějovice, strengthening the position of the Czech community in the city. The monument was raised in recognition of his contribution to the local economy and public life.

Who created the statue? The sculpture was made by Bohumil Kafka, with architect Josef Gočár working on the design of the pedestal. It was cast by the Prague foundry of Karel Barták.

When was the statue unveiled? It was ceremonially unveiled on 28 September 1936.

What is the statue made of, and how large is it? The figure is cast in black bronze (93% copper, 7% tin) and stands about 3.5 meters tall; together with its 3-meter pedestal, it forms a substantial monumental composition.

Where exactly is the statue located? The statue stands in central České Budějovice, next to the town hall, making it an easily accessible stop during a walk through the historic city center.