Cairn of Peace Memorial, Peace memorial in Kobylnice, Czech Republic
The Cairn of Peace is a towering memorial on Pracky Hill crowned with a prominent cross and four symbolic statues positioned at its base. Beneath the structure sits a chapel and ossuary chamber that visitors can access to see the remains and learn about the battle's toll.
Construction took place between 1902 and 1912, decades after the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 when Napoleon defeated Russian and Austrian forces in a decisive engagement. The delayed memorial reflects how nations later chose to honor their military losses with permanent monuments.
The memorial has become a pilgrimage site for those reflecting on the human cost of warfare, with the chapel below serving as a quiet space for contemplation. Visitors from different nations gather here to pay respects to soldiers from opposing armies who died on the same battlefield.
The site has seasonal opening hours that vary between summer and winter months, so check before planning a visit to avoid disappointment. The location sits on a hill, so visitors should expect stairs and walking paths when reaching the top and exploring the underground chambers.
The memorial was designed by architect Josef Fanta in Art Nouveau style, giving it an artistic flair that sets it apart from typical military monuments of that era. Underground chambers hold actual artifacts from the battle itself, allowing visitors to see physical evidence from the historical conflict.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
