Žižkov is a district of Prague that is full of blocks of flats and narrow streets. Originally, it was built as a housing estate. Today, there are a number of bars, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Žižkov is considered a bohemian area and is often nicknamed the “Montmartre of Prague”. There is a hill of the same name (sometimes also called Vítkov Hill), which is a symbol of the area. On top of the hill is the National Monument and a silver statue of Jan Žižka, a Hussite military leader. The Žižkov Television Tower is the most notable building in the area. Žižkov lies east of the centre of Prague and occupies the entire area of Prague 3 and small parts of Prague 8 and Prague 10 municipal districts.
History
Žižkov was originally part of the municipality of Viničné Hory. Later, the area was called Royal Vinohrady, and in the late 19th century it was divided into two units – the town of Žižkov being one of them. In 1922, Žižkov became part of Prague. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, extensive construction of houses started in the area.
During the totalitarian period, the whole district was to be reconstructed. However, before the reconstruction could take place, the Velvet Revolution came and Žižkov thus remained preserved in its original form. In 1992, the Žižkov Television Tower, the highest building in Prague, was built. In 2009, the residential complex – Central Park Prague – was built. At present, modern apartments and office buildings are built in Žižkov.
The district is also connected with the work of famous Czech writers Jaroslav Hašek and Franta Sauer.
Places to see in Žižkov
Žižkov Television Tower
Situated in Mahler Gardens, the 216-metre high television tower is the highest construction in Prague. The building also consists of a restaurant, a six-star suit and a revolving observatory called Tower Park Prague, which was built in 2012 and offers a magnificent view of Prague.
There is a nice park below the Žižkov Television Tower, perfect for a relaxing walk. The park features a picnic area, a minigolf course and a children’s playground.
Cemeteries
The Old Jewish Cemetery and the Olšany Cemetery, where Czech writer and poet Karel Jaromír Erben and writer Franz Kafka are buried, are places worth visiting.
Churches
The following churches are situated in Žižkov: the neo-Gothic Church of St Procopius, the Art Nouveau Church of St Anne and the Baroque Church of St Roch on the Olšany Square.
Vítkov
In 1420, a battle took place on Vítkov Hill, during which the Hussites under the command of Jan Žižka defeated the Crusade troops. Today, there is a statue of Jan Žižka – the third largest bronze statue in the world.
There is also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National Monument. This functionalist monument, which was built from 1928-1938, was originally dedicated to Legionaries and Resistance fighters of the First World War.
Culture and entertainment in Žižkov
The Atrium Flora shopping centre is a great place to relax. The Imax Cinema screens also 3D films and owns the largest film screen in the Czech Republic. The Akropolis Palace, where a number of prestigious events take place every year, is a place to go for a theatre or music performance. The Akropolis Palace hosts world-famous and Czech interpreters as well as art exhibitions and theatre performances.
Where to eat
Oblaca restaurant is situated inside the Žižkov Television Tower at a height of 66 metres. Miminoo Garden Restaurant is right below the tower and offers nice outdoor seating.
There are lots of bars and pubs in Žižkov, such as Pivo a párek pub, where various sausages are served along with beer. Other pubs include BeerGeekBar and Pivnice U Járy. The Street Restaurant & Coctail Club is popular with the locals for its burgers and evening drinks. Bernard Pub offers Bernard beer.
Taverna Onos and Taverna Olympos offer Greek atmosphere. Lumbini restaurant serves Indian cuisine.
Coffee
Le Caveau café offers fresh and first class products as well as good wine, coffee, desserts and soda pops. Bar Amadeus is famous for its espresso and snacks and features live music performances. Donuter Donuts is a place to go for a tasty donut. TimeCafé Křižovatka offers first class coffee. Café Chef is a pleasant café that serves coffee as well as refreshments such as salads, etc.