Top 10 of Prague Zizkov

3 June 2018

The Bohemian-style district of Zizkov has a reputation of one of the most alternative quarters of Prague. Located on a picturesque hill, it is often called the Czech Montmartre.

The Bohemian-style district of Zizkov has a reputation of one of the most alternative quarters of Prague. Located on a picturesque hill, it is often called the Czech Montmartre. Unlike its French equivalent, it is however very little known to tourists who are unaware of its fascinating historical buildings, scenic parks and alternative bars. Here are some of its most interesting attractions:

1 Zizkov TV Tower Map

Zizkov TV Tower is the tallest building and the highest observation deck in Prague. Apart from the view, you will also find here an elegant French-style restaurant, a 1-room hotel and 10 faceless babies by David Cerny crawling up the tubes. The structure is very controversial for its unusual rocket-like look. In 2009 it was even called the 2nd ugliest building in the world!

2 Skroupa Square Map

Skroupa square, or the “round square of Zizkov”, is a nice-chillout place with big historical significance. It is the place of the very first official anti-communist demonstration, which took place here in 1988. Nowadays, you can come here to relax on one of the many benches or enjoy the local atmosphere in the popular beer restaurant Pivnice u Sadu.

3 Jewish Cemetery of Zizkov Map

Right by the TV tower you can also visit the Old Jewish Cemetery of Zizkov, created during the plague epidemy in 1680. From 1787 to 1890 it was the main cemetery of the Jewish community in Prague. The graveyard has been recently renovated and is open to public Sunday-Friday. There is no entrance ticket, but small contributions are welcome.

4 Saint Procop church Map

One of the most characteristic buildings of Zizkov is the Neo-Gothic church of St Procop from 1903. The church fits perfectly into the small Sladkovský square and is surrounded by benches ideal for watching people and trams passing on the narrow Seifertova street.

5 Olsany Cemeteries Map

Olsany Cemeteries form the biggest burial ground in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1679, it is the final resting place of 2 million people, including the famous German-Jewish writer Franz Kafka and the first communist dictator Klement Gottwald. The area of the cemetery is full of beautiful old sculptures and is one of the most peaceful places in Prague.

6 Holy Cross Hill Map

The Holy Cross Hill, that the locals usually refer to as Parukářka, is one of the most picturesque parks of Prague. You will find here children’s and dog’s playgrounds, alternative outdoor bars and popular barbecue spots. The best is of course the view, showing all the main sights of the Czech capital including Prague Castle.

7 Bethlehem Chapel of Zizkov Map

Located in the inner yard of a residential building, the Bethlehem Chapel is one of the hidden gems of Zizkov, little known even to locals. This geometrical church from 1914 was designed by Emil Kralicek, one of the most talented Czech Cubist architects, and is unique in the entire world.

8 Statue of Jaroslav Hasek Map

Within a stone’s throw from the Cubist Bethlehem Chapel is another astonishing work of art - the statue of Jaroslav Hasek. One of the most prominent Czech writers and the creator of the “Good Soldier Svejk” has been presented on a horse. But look at the animal’s back. It is a… bar counter! As a matter of fact, Jaroslav Hasek enjoyed spending his days in the taverns of Zizkov. One of them - Restaurace u Slovanske lipy, which is now the oldest restaurant of Zizkov - is still active. We recommend checking it out.

9 U Vystrelenyho oka Map

“At the Shot Out Eye” is one of the most iconic alternative pubs in Prague. Unique artistical interiors and exteriors make numerous references to Hussite wars. And so does the “shot out eye” which belonged to Jan Zizka, the famous Hussite general, whom you can see on the statue at the top of the hill.

10 Vitkov Hill Map

The Vitkov Hill is the biggest hill of Zizkov and an absolute must-see on the alternative map of Prague. Beside the huge functionalist National Monument with interesting historical exhibitions you will find here also one of the biggest equestrian statues in the world, which dominates the hill and overlooks the breath-taking panorama of Prague.

Do you want to learn more about Zizkov and see these and other interesting sights in the area? Join one of our free or private walking tours of Prague! You will find more details and the free tour schedule here.

Pictures sources:

2 By Mike Steele [CC BY 2.0 Creative Commons), Flickr, CC BY 2.0 CC BY 2, Here

4 By VitVit (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons Here

5 By Aquarie (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Here

9 By ŠJů (cs:ŠJů) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Here

10 By Michal Kmínek [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Here