A monument removed from Prague’s streets more than a century ago could soon return to one of the city’s most historic squares.

Prague city councilors have approved plans to bring back the statue of Austrian field marshal Josef Václav Radecký of Radč to Malostranské náměstí in the Lesser Town.

The decision also authorizes the city to ask the Ministry of Culture to release the original sculpture, which is currently housed in the Lapidarium of the National Museum.

The monument stood in the square from 1858 until 1919, when the newly established Czechoslovak state removed symbols associated with the Habsburg monarchy. Following its dismantling, the statue was transferred to museum storage, while the pedestal was later removed as well.

The return project has been discussed for years, supported by the Radecký Society and officials from Prague 1. City representatives now hope the monument can become part of the long-planned redevelopment of Malostranské náměstí, although a completion date for the reconstruction has not yet been announced.

Costs are expected to range between 15 million and 30 million Czech crowns. The final amount will depend largely on whether the Ministry of Culture agrees to provide the original artwork. If not, a replica would need to be produced.

The statue will not return to its former location. The original site in the southeastern section of the square is now occupied by a roadway and tram tracks. Current plans place the monument closer to the center of the open area in the lower part of the square, facing the building of the Chamber of Deputies.

Born in 1766, Josef Václav Radecký of Radč became one of the most respected military commanders of the 19th century. A member of the Czech nobility, he served the Austrian Empire and gained international recognition for his military leadership during the Napoleonic era and later campaigns in Italy.

The monument itself was created by Professor Christian Ruben together with sculptors Josef Max and Emanuel Max. It was unveiled shortly after Radecký’s death in 1858 and remained a prominent feature of Malostranské náměstí for more than six decades before political changes following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire led to its removal.

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