The Iconographic and Symbolic Reflection of the Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc Memorial

This article examines the Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc memorial on Wenceslas Square in Prague through its iconographic and symbolic dimensions. The study analyses the memorial’s visual elements in relation to the theological background of self­‑sacrifice and compares it with other commemorative sites dedicated to Palach. The horizontal bronze Latin cross design, created by the artist Barbora Veselá, represents both Christian sacrifice and a burning human figure, intentionally integrated into the surrounding pavement. Unlike traditional vertical monuments, this counter­‑monument requires active participation from passers-by, creating a space where everyday life and commemorative reflection intersect. The memorial’s understated design reflects Protestant aesthetics and connects Palach’s act with Jan Hus’s tradition through the lens of fire symbolism. This phenomenological approach transforms walking into contemplation, reorienting the body in a micro­‑ritual that perpetuates collective memory beyond the dramatic act of self­‑immolation into sustained cultural reflection.

Keywords: Jan Palach; Jan Zajíc; Memorial; Self­‑immolation; Latin Cross Symbolism; Evangelical Heritage; Collective Memory; Counter­‑Monument; Public Space; Political Sacrifice