Uncover the Legends, Trails, and Icons of Czech Lions
Two tails and fifteen cities
Since that time, a lot has changed, but the lion has stayed the same: it is a prominent feature on the national emblem, athletes proudly wear it on their uniforms, and numerous cities showcase it in their coats of arms. Among these cities in the Czech Republic are Beroun, České Budějovice, Děčín, Hradec Králové, Karlovy Vary, Kutná Hora, Nymburk, Litoměřice, Lipník nad Bečvou, Prachatice, Ústí nad Labem, and Turnov. Additionally, the lion can be found in the emblems of places like Zittau, Vratislav, Zhořelec, and Kladsko. Outside of the Czech Republic, you can also spot the lion emblem in Bavaria, and people in Venice are quite familiar with the famous golden winged lion of St. Mark. Lion representations can even be discovered among the symbols of Nordic nations.
The lion is a historic symbol of bravery, strength, fairness, and overall authority. Its two tails make the Czech coat of arms distinct compared to other European heraldic designs. The golden crown symbolizes the state and its sovereign dignity. The lion is also included in a new design project for the visual identity of the Czech Republic by a design studio called Najbrt.
So, why does the Czech lion have two tails? Aside from some unverifiable explanations, people often suggest that the intertwined tails represent Bohemia and Moravia. However, the reality is different: in heraldry, doubling an asymmetrical feature, such as a head or tail, indicates the male gender. If the Czech state emblem’s lion had only one tail, it would represent a lioness. The same applies to the Moravian and Silesian eagles: if they possessed two heads or tails, they would simply be identified as eagles.
1. Prague, Bruncvík’s lion, lion of Czechoslovak airmen and lion from Chotek’s road
From Old Czech Tales by Alois Jirásek, you might be familiar with the story of Bruncvík, the legendary Czech knight who rescued a lion during his adventurous travels and then loyally returned to the Czech kingdom with it. Upon his return, Bruncvík had the lion depicted on his coat of arms, on the city gate of Prague, and even on the provincial weathervane.
This tale is charming, but sadly, the lion has been somewhat forgotten at the statue of Bruncvík on Charles Bridge. You might want to make up for it by visiting nearby Klárova, where you can see a stunning statue of a winged lion by British artist Colin Spofforth. This statue honors Czechoslovak airmen who fought in the British Royal Air Force during World War II.
Another statue of a Czech lion, which doesn’t have wings but is wearing a crown, is located in Chotek’s road at the Deer Ditch mouth, while another lion is featured on the weather vane atop St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle.
2. Central Bohemia Region and the Czech Lion from the Rückl Glassworks
The Rückl Glassworks in Nižbor, known for its exquisite cut crystal, is a popular spot for excursions. Here, local designers, glassmakers, and cutters create award-winning collections, including the striking Czech Lion crystal film trophies. Each statuette weighs two kilograms, and the lion’s mane features the classic Czech cut, with stars on the base inspired by Baroque design, while the statuette’s overall look draws from Cubism and the artistic style of Josef Lada.
3. South Bohemia and Samson’s fight with the lion
In most Czech cities, you will find lions sitting peacefully or perhaps looking fierce. However, the location where this king of beasts seems to be losing is at Samson’s fountain located in the heart of Přemysl Otakar II Square in the center of České Budějovice. This grand Baroque fountain is one of the largest in the country, with a diameter of 17 meters. At a height, Samson and the lion are not easy to see due to athletes who carry the large bowl at the top. A favorite question in city quizzes is where Samson is actually looking: at the Bell, the Sun, or City Hall? You’ll have to visit the beautiful South Bohemian metropolis to find out!
4. Pilsen Region and Zbiroh Castle
At the entrance to Zbiroh Castle, which is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, look for impressive large sculptures of a lion that appears to guard the estate. You can even spend the night at the castle and experience what it’s like to sleep like the nobles of old. Did you know that both Božena Němcová and Alfons Mucha also stayed at Zbiroh? Each Wednesday during holiday periods, they offer special tours that are unique (some are family-friendly).
If live lions interest you, don’t forget to check out the Pilsen Zoo, where they have been caring for these magnificent beasts since the 1940s.
5. Karlovy Vary Region and the lion on the oldest border stone
Among the most stunning and historically significant boundary markers is the Juliusstein. You can find this landmark located in the saddle between Kužel hills and Kuzelka, along the border of the Ore Mountains and the Smrčiny Mountains. Dating back to 1544, it holds the title of the oldest boundary stone in the Czech Republic and features carved coats of arms on both sides. The side facing Saxony showcases crossed electoral swords on a green-blue shield, while on the Czech side, there is a shield decorated with a golden Bohemian lion. A path marked in yellow leads you to this stone from the village of Kostelní through the areas known as Kámen and Vysoký kámen.
6. Ústí nad Labem Region and the Czech Lion in front of the Most City Hall
The Bohemian Lion appears in various forms. One of its modern interpretations can be found in a sandstone statue called Symbol of Statehood, located in front of the town hall of Most in the Ústí nad Labem region. Created in 1978 by local sculptor Stanislav Hanzík, the statue embodies themes from the state emblem.
Another attractive lion statue is found in a park in Krásná Lípa near Dittrichova Street. This statue was unveiled in 1908 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign. It symbolizes the Czech lion, emblematic of the Czech Kingdom, as it protects the shield featuring the Austro-Hungarian eagle, which symbolizes the monarchy.
7. Liberec Region and the lion from Kopic’s farm
In the scenic Bohemian Paradise, south of Turnov, lies the charming Kopic farmhouse. A marked route takes you through the rocky landscape, where you’ll find various reliefs and sculptures inspired by Czech history, myths, and legends. Among these artistic pieces is a resting lion, but it’s not the only lion-themed attraction in the Liberec Region. Right in Liberec, you can stay at the Grandhotel Zlatý lev. Additionally, in Jablonec nad Nisou, a giant gold coin was minted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the independent Czechoslovak currency. This remarkable coin weighs 130 kg and, of course, features the Czech lion design engraved on it.
8. Hradec Králové Region, Lion on the Hussite Chariot and Lion Safari
Near Hořice, a town known for its stone craftsmanship and various beautiful sculptures, a significant battle took place in 1423 between the forces of Žižek and the Cališnik nobles. The major fighting occurred on Gothard Hill, where Žižka constructed a wall of chariots made up of one hundred and twenty vehicles. To honor this victory, a local patriot named Josef Šťastný, who ran a wine bar called U Božích bojovníků (At God’s Fighters), created a mound that resembles Mount Říp, topped with a sculpture by artist Antonín Šešina. This memorial features a Hussite chariot filled with war trophies, with a proud Czech Lion seated on top. Inscriptions on the monument commemorate famous Hussite battles, and the site offers a stunning view of the landscape.
For fans of real lions, a visit to Dvůr Králové nad Labem in the Hradec Králové Region is a must: the unique Lion Safari is part of the local Safari Park. A dignified stone lion also rests on the the fountain with the statue of Zaboj, found in the center of Dvůr Králové at T. G. Masaryk Square.
9. Pardubice Region and a tired lion from Litomyšl Castle
In the farthest corner of the park near Litomyšl Castle, a lion can be seen resting. It appears exhausted and asleep. This lion is nearly as old as the castle theater and the gazebo in the Empire garden. It was created by Jiří Josef Waldstein-Wartenberg in remembrance of his younger brother Francis, who died during the Napoleonic Wars in Italy.
10. Highlands and the good lion from the Pila reservoir
This lion, depicted in a sculpture by Michal Olšiak, is calm, gentle, and perfect for petting. You can find it in the Pilák recreational area close to the Pil reservoir in Vysočina. The Bohemian lion and the Moravian eagle stand guard over their territories, almost at the boundary between Bohemia and Moravia. However, the true border, along with a historical boundary stone, lies a bit further east along the road from Žďár nad Sázavou to Chotěboř.
11. South Moravian Region and the tame lioness Mietzi-Mausi from Bítov Castle
If you visit Bítov Castle in the Znojmo region, among the torture chamber, the castle armory, the brewery, and the lovely garden, don’t miss the unique collection of preserved dogs and other animals. This collection honors Baron Jiří Haas, the last private owner of the castle and a true animal lover. His beloved pet was the tame lioness Mietzi-Mausi, who was named after the baron’s favorite cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. The baron, a man known for his decadent lifestyle and appeal to women, tragically passed away just a few days after World War II. Mietzi-Mausi passed away shortly after him, but it wasn’t out of sorrow; she was reportedly shot by a Russian soldier.
12. Zlín Region and Caesar the Lion from Bata Zoo in Zlín
One of the most popular attractions in Moravia and the Zlín Region is the Zlín Zoo. This zoo has roots in a small zoo that was initially established in the center of Zlín by then-mayor Tomáš Baťa right in the castle park. It started off small with just four monkeys and about ten turtles, but over time it expanded to include seals, raccoons, parrots, a pelican, and even a camel was considered for purchase. Ultimately, the star attraction became a Berber lion named Caesar. He was born in January 1931 in Přerov, with ties to the Austrian circus Rebernigg. The circus owner gifted Baťa a lion cub, and while a cage was being prepared for Caesar, he spent a few days roaming around the garden of Baťa’s family home. Soon after, Bety the lioness joined him, a gift from Circus Kludsky.
In the latter half of the 1930s, Caesar inspired sculptor Bohumil Kafka while he worked on the Štefánik Memorial for Bratislava. Today, a bronze statue of Caesar stands in Bratislava, though it’s without the figure of Štefánik. Meanwhile, Bety the lioness is conserved in the museum collections at the castle in Malenovice.
13. The Olomouc Region and the lion from the Hungarian Monument
The lovely alpine spas’ reputation is highlighted by the Priessnitz spa in Jeseník, which has an unusual colonnade: instead of having an enclosed building, there’s an open-air promenade offering beautiful views of the Jeseníky hills, a herbal inhalation area, and plenty of benches, resting pavilions, and statues. One such statue is the lion on the so-called Hungarian Monument. This bronze lion statue was created in response to a request from cured Hungarian patients in the late 1930s.
14. Moravian-Silesian region and the laughing lion from the transmitter in Ostrava
In front of the building of the television transmitter in Ostrava-Hostalkovice, there sits a silver lion with two tails. This lesser-known statue by Olbram Zoubek was created in the late 1970s. Originally, the lion had a rather sad expression, so the sculptor adjusted it, and now the lion has a slight, cheerful grin.
