1621 Memorial Crosses
Monument in Prague
Located in front of the Old Town Hall on Prague’s Old Town Square, the 1621 Memorial Crosses commemorate one of the most somber events in Czech history—the execution of 27 Bohemian noblemen following the Battle of White Mountain. On June 21, 1621, these Protestant leaders were executed by order of Emperor Ferdinand II, as retribution for their rebellion during the early stages of the Thirty Years’ War. The executions were meant as a warning and a public show of Habsburg authority, marking a turning point in Bohemia’s religious and political life.
The memorial consists of 27 small white crosses embedded in the cobblestones of the square, just in front of the Old Town Hall. Each cross represents one of the executed noblemen. In addition to the crosses, the site includes the names of the victims etched in stone and a bronze plaque commemorating the event. The understated nature of the memorial—without a grand statue or monument—adds to its poignancy, serving as a quiet but powerful reminder of religious persecution and the loss of Czech autonomy.
Among those executed were knights, nobles, and prominent civic leaders. One of the most notable figures was Jan Jesenius, a physician and rector of Charles University, who was beheaded in front of the crowd. The executions marked the suppression of the Bohemian Revolt, which had attempted to establish a Protestant-led, semi-independent Bohemia within the Holy Roman Empire. The aftermath saw harsh re-Catholicization measures, forced emigration, and the loss of Czech political influence for centuries.
Today, the 1621 Memorial is often passed over by tourists unaware of its significance. But for Czechs, it remains a deeply meaningful site—symbolizing resistance, national pride, and the enduring memory of those who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom and faith. For anyone walking through the Old Town Square, pausing at the crosses offers a powerful connection to the country’s most pivotal historical moment.
The 1621 Memorial Crosses appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
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Visiting 1621 Memorial Crosses
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