About Zizkov:
Some minutes walk to the east from the historical town centre, a quarter of
Zizkov could be found. Named after one-eyed Hussite leader and military commander,
Jan Žižka, who whipped Emperor Sigismund on the hill called Vítkov (that can be
found between Zizkov and Karlin quarters).
The quarter that bears Žižka's name was always considered as a borough with rough and dodgy inhabitants. It was historically a working-class district, and was sometimes referred to as "red Zizkov", because so many of its inhabitants were members of the Communist party.
What you can find in Zizkov now and why it is so popular among Prague visitors? The answer is simple. It is said that there is highest number of pubs per capita in the area when compared with any city district in Europe. And it is true, if you walk through the most of the Zizkov's street, you will not have enough fingers to count the numerous pubs, taverns, restaurants or clubs. The most "admired" street where you make your own "tour de beer" is Borivojova street.
Due to its specific atmosphere, Žižkov became the Bohemian part of Prague, with many artists living or performing there.
Many Zizkov's streets from the beginning of the 20th century undergo a mini-urban renewal, with many older face-lifts being reconstructed and restored. You can find here many hotels with perfect location as regards the distance from the city centre with a good quality and reasonable prices.
Apart from pubs, other sights in Zizkov area includes Zizkov TV Tower built in the late 80s. The towers consists of three concrete pillars, which carry cabinets for the transmitters, the tower restaurant and an observation deck.
The tower is 216 metres high. The restaurant with marvellous views over Prague historical centre is located in 63 metres and the observation deck 100 metres above ground. Some people talk about the ugliest landmark, but many other like it; it is, of course, a question of a fashion.
Jan Žižka, famous Hussite from the 15th century has also his own, equestrian, statue on the hill Vítkov. The hill gives you also nice views over Prague panorama – however, you have to use your foot to get there (the advantage of the tower is its elevator). You will find also grandiose National Memorial, completed around 1930s as a memorial to the unknown soldier but later used as a mausoleum for Communist leaders. The monument is now under reconstruction, after which new cultural centre should be opened. New exposition Crossroad of Czech and Czechoslovak statehood will present modern history of the country. There is also Army Museum near here with exhibitis on the history of Czechoslovak army and the movement of resistance.
In Zizkov, you can also find Olšany Cemetry with the Grave of Jan Palach, student that burnt himself to death in 1969 in protest at the Soviet invasion into Czechoslovakia. An the grave of famous novelist Franz Kafka is on the "new" Jewish cemetery.