Statue of Saint Wenceslaus

The Statue of Saint Wenceslas in Kutná Hora is not where most visitors expect to find it. Rather than standing on the town's main square, which bears the saint's name, the sculpture occupies a quieter spot on Radnická Street, tucked beneath a group of linden trees against a plastered wall. Because of this slightly hidden position, it's a monument many tourists walk right past on their way to the main square or the cathedral, even though it sits just a short stroll from the historic center.

The history behind the statue

The stone figure standing here today replaced an earlier Baroque statue of the same saint, which occupied this exact spot from 1784 until 1906. That earlier work has an unusual backstory: it was originally intended for installation on Prague's Charles Bridge, but it never ended up there. Instead, it now resides in the Lapidarium of the National Museum in Prague, where it can still be seen today. When the original piece left Kutná Hora, the current sculpture took its place, mounted on the surviving Baroque pedestal from the earlier monument.

What the monument looks like

The figure of Saint Wenceslas is slightly larger than life-size. He is depicted in full armor, holding a spear in his left hand with a shield resting at his feet. The pedestal beneath him features a short column decorated with fruit festoons and a putto holding a cartouche inscribed with an abbreviated Latin text. Military trophies flank the sides of the pedestal — a common Baroque motif that reinforces Saint Wenceslas's role as the martial protector and patron of the Czech lands.

The sculptor of the current statue remains unknown. Some accounts suggest that the earlier Baroque statue, created at the beginning of the 18th century, may have been the work of a local Kutná Hora sculptor, though this attribution is not firmly established and should be treated as speculation rather than documented fact.

What else is nearby

The immediate surroundings add to the spot's quiet charm. A small Baroque fountain stands next to the statue, fitted with lighting that makes the corner attractive even after dark. Looking over the wall enclosing the site, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, one of the many ecclesiastical landmarks that define Kutná Hora, a town inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A bench is available for those who want to sit for a moment, although the adjacent parking area can be noisy, which somewhat undercuts the tranquility of the spot.

The monument itself is officially registered as a protected cultural heritage site, a designation confirming its historical and artistic significance.

Why it's worth a visit

The Statue of Saint Wenceslas in Kutná Hora is easy to overlook when rushing between the town's headline sights — St. Barbara's Church, the Italian Court, or the historic square itself. Yet this modest, shaded corner carries its own layered story: a Baroque statue once meant for Prague's most famous bridge, the successor that took its place on the same weathered pedestal, and centuries of devotion to a saint who remains a defining symbol of Czech national identity. For visitors exploring Kutná Hora at an unhurried pace, it makes a worthwhile pause away from the crowds gathered around the town's best-known monuments.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Statue of Saint Wenceslas in Kutná Hora located? On Radnická Street, near the main square, beneath a group of linden trees against a plastered wall.

Is this the original Baroque statue? No — the original Baroque statue from this site is now in the Lapidarium of the National Museum in Prague. The current figure stands on the surviving Baroque pedestal.

Who created the statue? The sculptor is unknown.

What else can be seen nearby? A small Baroque fountain right next to the statue, and a partial view of the Church of St. John of Nepomuk over the enclosing wall.