Statue of Hercules, Sandstone statue in Kinského zahrada, Prague, Czech Republic

The Hercules sandstone statue stands above a lake near the Kinský Summerhouse, showing the mythological hero in an active combat stance. The 22-hectare garden provides multiple walking paths that lead visitors past the sculpture through its varied grounds.

The statue was relocated from Kampa in 1939 to its current location in the garden, becoming part of the English-style landscape design. This move integrated it into the broader garden composition and ensured its preservation for future visitors.

The sculpture shows Hercules forcing open the jaws of the rearing Hydra, whose tail coils around his right leg. The subject comes from the labours of Heracles, and the work is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It was moved to the Kinský Garden from Kampa Island in 1939.

The statue is easy to spot while walking along the lakes in the lower garden area. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain has ups and downs, and plan enough time to explore the garden at a relaxed pace.

The sculpture is the work of an unknown artist, carved from sandstone in the 17th century. Hercules is shown naked, his body modelled in detail, gripping the rearing Hydra's open jaws from above and pressing it down while preparing to strike with a club; the serpent's tail coils around his right leg.