Statue of Václav Kliment Klicpera

The Statue of Václav Kliment Klicpera stands in the center of Chlumec nad Cidlinou, a small town in the Hradec Králové region, honoring its most famous native son — a playwright and pioneer of Czech comedy during the national revival era. For more than 150 years, this stone sculpture on the town square has stood as proof of how much the community valued its connection to one of 19th-century Bohemia's most important writers.

Where is the statue located?

The statue stands on Klicpera Square (náměstí Klicpery) in the heart of Chlumec nad Cidlinou, easily reached on foot or by car. The square is named after the writer and serves as a natural landmark for anyone exploring the town's historic center. The statue is open to visitors year-round, with no restrictions, and can be viewed freely from every side.

When was the statue built, and by whom?

The monument was erected in 1874, fifteen years after Klicpera's death, funded by donations from grateful townspeople and admirers of his work. It was carved from local sandstone by sculptors from Hořice, a region long known for its stonemasonry tradition. Today the monument is protected as a cultural heritage site of the Czech Republic, confirming its historical and artistic value.

What does the statue look like?

The sculpture depicts Klicpera in a seated pose, his right hand resting on a stack of books — a gesture that emphasizes his identity as a writer and man of letters. The front of the pedestal bears a relief of a laurel wreath, a symbol of recognition for his literary achievement, while the back displays the coat of arms of Chlumec nad Cidlinou. An inscription on the side of the pedestal records that the monument was raised by grateful natives and admirers of the poet in 1874.

Who was Václav Kliment Klicpera?

Václav Kliment Klicpera was born on 23 November 1792 in Chlumec nad Cidlinou and died on 15 September 1859. He was one of the leading Czech playwrights of the national revival, the era in which Czech writers worked to restore the standing of their national language and culture after decades of German dominance in public life. Klicpera specialized in comedies that combined a light tone with sharp observation of the manners and characters of his time, earning him great popularity with contemporary theater audiences. His plays became a lasting part of the Czech theatrical canon and continued to be performed long after his death.

Why does this monument matter to Chlumec nad Cidlinou?

The statue is more than a work of art — it is an expression of local pride that the town produced a writer of national significance. Placing the town's coat of arms on the pedestal alongside the poet's likeness symbolically ties the fate of Chlumec to the legacy of its most famous resident. To this day, the statue remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the town center and a natural starting point for anyone tracing Klicpera's footsteps in his hometown.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the statue located? On Klicpera Square in the center of Chlumec nad Cidlinou, easily accessible in the town's historic core.

When was the statue built? In 1874, fifteen years after the writer's death, funded by donations from grateful townspeople and admirers.

Who created the sculpture? Sculptors from Hořice, using local sandstone as the material.

Who was Václav Kliment Klicpera? A Czech playwright born in Chlumec nad Cidlinou in 1792, known for popular comedies from the national revival era, who died in 1859.

Is the statue legally protected? Yes, it is listed as a cultural heritage monument of the Czech Republic.