In a move that has sparked both interest and debate, the city of Prague is investigating the possibility of returning the statue of Austrian Marshal Radecký to Malostranské Square. Approved by the city council on Monday, this exploration reflects a growing interest in reconnecting with historical symbols, albeit with a modern twist. The original statue stood proudly on the square from 1858 to 1919 and was removed and stored at the National Museum’s lapidarium. Should it return, it would be a replica, positioned in a new location on the square to accommodate current tram lines.
City officials have been planning renovations for Malostranské Square for several years. However, previous city administrations had canceled tenders due to heritage conservation requirements. The current council has tasked the investment department with updating construction and archaeological surveys to consider the statue’s potential placement. The Prague City Gallery has also been commissioned to prepare a study on the technological and financial options for producing the statue’s replica and pedestal.
Deputy Mayor for Culture Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) presented the proposal, which he supports based on a request from the Radecký Prague Association. The approved materials include project documentation and the conclusions of a 2021 expert conference involving architects, historians, and art historians. Their consensus views the monument as an essential artistic work, advocating for its return.
The association advocating for the statue’s return also contacted the Italian embassy to gauge any objections, considering Radecký’s historical role in defeating Italian nationalists in the First Italian War of Independence. Although the Italian ambassador, Francesco Saverio Nisio, has stated that the embassy will neither actively support nor oppose the monument’s return, the diplomatic engagement highlights the delicate balance of historical narratives.
This initiative has prompted calls for broader public discussion, with Prague ANO leader Ondřej Prokop emphasizing the importance of considering expert and public perspectives. He advocates for a sensitive approach from city leadership regarding how such symbols are perceived by the residents and their impact on public spaces.
Marshal Jan Radecký of Radče, a Czech nobleman and one of the 19th century’s most renowned military leaders, left a lasting legacy. His monument, designed by Professor Christian Ruben and sculptors Josef and Emanuel Max, was unveiled in 1858. It occupied the southeastern part of Malostranské Square, which looked significantly different from today’s bustling urban landscape.