Kašna se sochou svatého Václava Fountain

Welcome to the heart of Přeštice. You are standing right in the middle of Masaryk Square, and before your eyes is this important symbol of the local space that has been watching over the life of this square for many decades, perhaps even centuries. It's a baroque fountain that immediately attracts your attention. The first thing she has to do is reach out to you is to be impressive and to fit perfectly into the environment. Feel the atmosphere of peace and stability that this monumental entity brings.

Now look at the essential part of this work. You see this robust, square tank made of dark, solid granite stone. Note how fine the corners are, which gives the whole piece some elegance despite its considerable weight and mass. Above this tank is a central column which is also made of solid granite. Its shape resembles a chamber needle, which creates a very stable and noble base for what follows above. This granite part is very old, it comes from the end of the eighteenth or the beginning of the nineteenth century. Imagine all the decades that this stone has experienced, all the times that the city around it has been changing, but he's been here as a fixed point.

But now raise your eyes even higher, where the rarest and most delicate are. There is a sandstone statue of St. Wenceslas at the top of this granite column. Notice the interesting contrast between the darker, hard granite base and this lighter, much softer sandstone. The statue is processed with great skill and artistic feeling. St. Wenceslas is depicted here as a powerful ruler and defender. He's wearing a full armor that suggests his war role, and he's got a heavy coat falling over his shoulders that gives the character dignity. He wears a prince's hat on his head that emphasizes his high standing and authority. In his right hand he holds the battalion firmly, which gives the whole character dynamic as if he was ready to move. This whole building is not just an ordinary decoration of the square, but is recognised as part of our national heritage and is included in the official list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.

To fully understand the meaning of this place, we need to go back in time and understand the story that connects the statue to this place. Although the fountain itself is older, the sandstone statue of St. Wenceslas was dedicated to the city of Přeštice only in 1848. That was a year of political upheaval and major changes in our countries. And it is here that the history of the city meets the fate of great personalities. The figure you are currently observing is svatý Václav, patron saint of the Czech nation, a figure that brings respect and national pride to people's hearts. But there is another name that is closely linked to this monument. His name was Augustin Brauner. He was a lawyer who had a great heart and influence for this city. In 1848 he was elected the first Member from Přeštice to the Great Reich Assembly. This was a moment of great pride and an important step forward in political life for local people. As a token of his deep gratitude for this trust expressed by people, Augustin Brauner gave this wonderful sandstone statue to the city. So it is a gift that combines personal success with public gain and love for its own roots.

It is fascinating to think of how one political success in 1848 left such a lasting mark in the form of this work of art, which stands here today. This statue is not just a stone, it is a symbol of gratitude and connection between an individual and his community.

You might wonder if this monument always looked this perfect. It is important to know that even such strong and lasting things need care. In order to serve future generations, this monument underwent a thorough reconstruction of Masaryk Square in 2010. Thanks to this restoration, we can watch the details of the armor and texture of sandstone in their best form and enjoy their beauty.

Now that you know the story of this place, its creator and those people who have imprinted his soul, I suggest you continue your walk around the square. Feel the atmosphere of this space, which is so firmly connected to the important moments of the past. Look at other parts of the square, feel its rhythm and let yourself drift through the history that is present in every corner of this city. Thank you for spending this moment with this monument, and we wish you a beautiful and inspiring visit to Přeštice.