Statue of George of Poděbrady in Kunštát

The Statue of George of Poděbrady in Kunštát stands in the lower part of the town's main square, in a small Moravian town whose name is permanently bound to the title of one of medieval Bohemia's most notable rulers. It is a modest monument, but a symbolically important one — a reminder that this is where the noble line that produced a king of Bohemia had its roots.

Who does the statue depict?

The statue commemorates George of Kunštát and Poděbrady (Jiří z Kunštátu a Poděbrad), who ruled as King of Bohemia from 1458 to 1471 — the first monarch chosen by the estates after the Hussite Wars without any hereditary claim to the earlier dynasty. He is remembered in Czech history as the "Hussite king," a ruler who came from the moderate, Utraquist wing of the Hussite movement and had to navigate constant tension between the papacy, the empire, and the religious divisions within his own kingdom.

Why is his name linked to Kunštát?

The double-barrelled name is not incidental. The noble family George belonged to, known as the lords of Kunštát and Poděbrady, traced its origins to this very town — hence the combined name, joining Moravian Kunštát with the central Bohemian town of Poděbrady, which later became the place most associated with him and gave its name to a separate, considerably larger monument there. Kunštát, however, remains the place where that family line began, which is why a statue honouring him stands here specifically.

Where exactly does the statue stand, and what does it look like?

The statue is located in the lower part of Kunštát's main square, in an open space clearly visible from street level. It dates from 1885 and shows the ruler standing, crowned, holding a document in his right hand while his left hand rests on his sword — a classic way of portraying a monarch as both lawgiver and defender of his realm. The monument is well preserved, freely accessible, and can be viewed at any time without charge.

Is it worth stopping here?

For anyone exploring Kunštát, the statue is a natural stop on a walk through the town centre rather than a destination requiring a dedicated detour. It pairs well with a visit to the town itself, also known for its castle, the historic seat of the lords of Kunštát. The site carries more symbolic weight than sightseeing spectacle — for anyone interested in Bohemian history and the Hussite era, it offers a tangible link to the origins of one of the period's most distinctive rulers.

Frequently asked questions

Who was George of Kunštát and Poděbrady? King of Bohemia from 1458 to 1471, the first ruler chosen by the estates after the Hussite Wars without hereditary dynastic ties.

Why is the statue in Kunštát specifically? Because this is where the noble line of the lords of Kunštát and Poděbrady, to which George belonged, originated — the town's name became permanently attached to his family title.

When was the statue erected? In 1885.

What does the statue look like? It shows the standing, crowned ruler holding a document in his right hand, with his left hand resting on his sword.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the statue stands in the open square and can be viewed free of charge at any time.