A simple stone stele. Yet it holds a powerful story. The Obětem Květen 1945 Stele stands before us. It is a stark reminder of the Prague Uprising. This memorial commemorates the fighters of the Prague barricades. They died in May 1945.
The Obětem Květen 1945 Stele wasn’t always here. It replaced smaller memorials. These were scattered across the area. Construction for the Barrandov Bridge obliterated them. This new monument was unveiled in May 1988. It was a collective effort. Mosaic artist Martin Sladký created the artwork. Poet Miroslav Florian penned the accompanying verse. Architects Jiří Danda and Jan Špičák designed the stele itself.
The Obětem Květen 1945 Stele initially featured a mosaic. It depicted fighting barricade fighters. A bronze plaque listed the names of the fallen. These were the 168 fighters who perished along the Vltava River’s left bank. They died in Hlubočepy Zlíchov Zbraslav Barrandov Velká and Malá Chuchle and Lahovice. Approximately 400 fighters died in total during the fighting against the SS Panzer Division. Sadly only 168 were identified in these specific areas. Thirty nine of the 168 could not be identified at all. The others identified were sent home on May 29 1945. Among the fallen was one woman Vlasta Leopoldová. The youngest was only eighteen years old.
Time and neglect have taken their toll. The bronze plaque has been stolen. It has been replaced with a plastic one. Even the mosaic has suffered vandalism. The Obětem Květen 1945 Stele is now a poignant but damaged monument. Its location on a rocky outcrop above the Vltava is remote. This has made it less accessible for remembrance ceremonies. Overgrown vegetation further obscures its presence. The names of the victims are now listed elsewhere. Prague 5 moved them to a memorial for victims of the Prague Uprising.
The Obětem Květen 1945 Stele may not be in pristine condition. Its story however remains potent. It’s a reminder of sacrifice. It’s a tribute to those who fought bravely for liberation. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Prague. Remember this simple stone when you walk away from this memorial. Remember the sacrifices made here in May 1945.