Detail of the metronome at Letna Hill, Prague, Czech Republic


Vratislav Novak, constructed a huge and massive metronome on Letna Hill, in 1991. The metronome stands as a reminder of the struggles of the people, under the communist era. The metronome stands 75 feet long and can be easily spotted from city and bridges below. While the metronome serves as a reminder of the struggles under the communist regime, the location of the structure is also significant. This same site was previously home to the largest statue of Stalin in the world. This statue loomed over the city for 7 years, watching its every move. After Stalin’s death, Nikita Khrushchev gained control of the Soviet Union and ordered the destruction of the statue of Stalin. Since the statue was too heavy to move, it was destroyed by dynamite while people cheered in the streets. Today, the metronome stands as a testimony to the legacy left by Stalin and communism in Prague. It is now used by tourists and local for skateboarding.


Size: 3600px × 2394px
Location: Letna Hill, Prague, Czech Republic
Photo credit: © Adam Balatoni / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: communism, czech, hill, letna, metronome, monument, park, prague, stalin