Statue of Saint Kilian in Přeštice

The Statue of Saint Kilian stands on the eastern side of the main square in Přeštice, a small town in the Plzeň-jih district of western Czechia. It is one of the town's most recognizable landmarks, closely tied to local history and a religious tradition that stretches back more than four centuries.

How to get there

Přeštice lies roughly 20 kilometers south of Pilsen, along the road heading toward Klatovy and the Šumava region. The town is easy to reach by car or by train, since it has its own railway station on the line connecting Pilsen with the southern part of the region. The statue sits right in the town center, on the main square, just a few minutes' walk from the station.

What does the statue show?

The sculpture depicts Saint Kilian in bishop's vestments, his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. Kilian, an Irish missionary and bishop, is venerated in the region as a protector against fire and disaster — a role that made him a natural choice as the patron of the town's monument.

The original statue dates from around 1734. Today that original piece is kept in the lapidarium of the town museum, protected from further weathering, while a faithful replica of the figure, its pedestal, and base now stands on the square, in the spot the statue has occupied for centuries.

Why Saint Kilian specifically?

The monument's story goes back to a tragic event on July 8, 1590. On that day, the feast of Saint Kilian, a massive fire broke out in Přeštice and destroyed nearly the entire town within just two hours. The disaster left a lasting mark on the community, and from then on, every year on Kilian's feast day or the nearest Sunday, a solemn church service was held, followed by a procession leading to this very statue on the square. The tradition combined religious devotion with the memory of the fire and gratitude for the town's rebuilding.

Restoration and protection

In 2003 the entire monument underwent thorough conservation work. The original sculpture, together with its historic base, was moved to the lapidarium of the town museum, where it can be viewed under controlled conditions, while a replica made of suitable materials — covering the figure, pedestal, and base alike — was installed at the original spot on the square. This way, visitors can still admire the monument in its historic urban setting, while the original piece is shielded from further damage.

The Statue of Saint Kilian is listed as a Czech cultural monument and has been under heritage protection since May 3, 1958, confirming its importance not only as a piece of the townscape but also as evidence of local history and folk devotion.

When to visit

The square where the statue stands is a lively center of town life worth visiting at any time of year. In spring and summer it comes alive with local events and markets, while autumn and winter give it a quieter, more intimate character. Since the monument is outdoors and fully open to the public, it can be visited at any time of day, with no restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Saint Kilian and why does he have a monument in Přeštice? Saint Kilian was an Irish missionary and bishop venerated as a protector against fire. The monument commemorates the great fire that destroyed Přeštice on July 8, 1590, the day of his feast.

Is the statue on the square the original? No — since 2003 the square has held a faithful replica. The original sculpture, dating from around 1734, is preserved and protected in the lapidarium of the town museum in Přeštice.

Where exactly is the monument located? On the eastern side of the town's main square, in the very center of Přeštice.

Is the statue a legally protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a Czech cultural monument and has been under heritage protection since May 3, 1958.