The representatives of Prague supported the return of the statue of Radecký to Malostranské náměstí

Prague – The representatives of Prague agreed to the return of the monument to Marshal Radecky to Malostranské Square. They approved it today, stating that the city would request the original statue from the Ministry of Culture, which is stored in the Lapidarium of the National Museum. The monument stood in the square from 1858 to 1919. The cost of its return is estimated to be between 15 and 30 million crowns depending on whether the ministry provides the original or if a copy needs to be created.

The statue is expected to return to the square during a long-planned reconstruction, the starting date of which is not yet clear. The Radecky Association has long advocated for its return and is supported by the leadership of Prague 1. The monument was originally situated in the southeast part of Malostranské Square, where there are now roads and tram tracks, so the new location is to be elsewhere. The monument is to stand approximately in the middle of the open space at the lower part of the square, with Radecky facing the Chamber of Deputies building.

According to its vice-chairman, Michael Heres, the Radecky Association has prepared a complete project for the return of the statue. "The proposal has been discussed with conservationists, architects, urban planners, art historians, restorers, and of course with the public," he said. He added that Radecky's roots were deeply connected to the Czech lands and Prague, and the monument was from the beginning a project of the Czech cultural community.

The plan was also supported by the city councilor for culture, Tomáš Slabihoudek (TOP 09). "I do not perceive this as a return of monarchy; I see it as a return of an important work of art," he stated. Similarly, the mayor of Prague 1, Terezie Radoměřská (TOP 09), also supported the return of the statue during the discussions. "This is a very significant historical figure," she said.

Austrian Marshal Josef Václav Radecký of Radče (1766 - 1858) was a Czech nobleman and is considered one of the best military leaders of the 19th century. The marshal's monument, created by Professor Christian Ruben and sculptors Josef and Emanuel Max, was unveiled in Malostranské Square in 1858. It stood there until 1919, when it became one of the symbols associated with the Habsburg monarchy and was therefore dismantled and stored in the Lapidarium. Later, the pedestal was also removed.