Krucifix (Nová Ves u Chotěšic) Crucifix

Welcome to New Village at Chotošice. Please stop for a moment and take a deep breath of country air. Right now, you're standing in front of one of the silent but talkative witnesses of local history. In front of you is the sandstone cross, which is dominated by its presence. The first thing you're interested in is his height. The whole crucifix measures approximately four metres, making it a significant vertical element in the landscape of this village. Feel the weight and texture of the stone that has been standing here for decades telling us the story of faith, community and art.

Let us now look together at how this monument originated and at what time it was born. This baroque cross was built in 1845. It is a very interesting period because romanticism was spreading in Europe at that time. Romanticism has brought a new perspective into art and architecture on the emotions, spirituality and relationship of man to history and nature. It is in this spirit that the crucifix was created. The author of this work was Alois Kopránek, who came from Újezda. Kopránek put not only craftsmanship in the stone, but also a deep symbolic meaning which was to be understood by everyone who passed the cross.

Now I ask you to pay full attention to the details that you see right in front of you. Approach the monument a little closer and focus on its lower part, i.e. the plinth. On the front of this base you will see a inscription and a fine relief. The Virgin Mary of Pain is represented here. Try to notice the fineness of the lines in the sandstone. Our Lady of Pain is a symbol of compassion and the sharing of suffering, which in the nineteenth century was a very strong and close image for people living in the countryside. This relief is not only an ornament, but it served as a spiritual support for the locals who sought comfort or expressed gratitude.

When you look at the front, I suggest you now slowly go around the cross and look at the back. Here you will find other important information that reveals the relationship of the village to this place. The back of the plinth tells us that the construction of the cross was not the work of one person, but the joint effort of the local community. This shows us how strong the neighbourhood was at the time and how important it was to have a common symbol in the centre of the village that connects all generations.

If you study the inscription in the back, notice in 1868. That's the date that brings us to another important person associated with this place. It was this year that a significant renewal of the crucifix took place. The time and adversity of the weather, which sandstone often hurts in our breadth, left traces on the cross. However, the village decided to preserve the memory for future generations and invited a master named F. Bydjovský to repair it. The work of Bydjovský helped to ensure that the cross survived even the following turbulent period of history and travelled to our days in such good condition.

Stop for a moment and think about how many people have passed this cross in almost two centuries. How much was stopped in silence, how much was in prayer and how much was just passing by on the way to the field or the neighbouring village. It's fascinating how one sandstone object can preserve the atmosphere of the time when the rhythm of life was determined by the sun and churchbell.

You may be wondering why this cross is so important that it deserves your attention within the audio guide. The answer lies in 1987. It was this year that the crucifix in Nové Vsi near Chotošice was officially declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This means that the state has recognised its historical, artistic and social value. It's not just a religious symbol anymore, but part of our national heritage that we have a duty to protect. It is a recognition of the work of Alois Kopránek and the care that F. Bydžovský and all the inhabitants of the village who took care of him put in the cross.

An interesting aspect is the combination of styles. Although the cross is baroque, its creation in 1845 means that the baroque elements were already perceived as traditional and verified, while the surrounding world was already moving towards more modern thinking. So this cross stands like a bridge between an old world full of rituals and a new world that began to bring about changes in industry and society.

Take one more look up at the very cross that rises to heaven. The sandstone from which it is made has its specific colour which varies according to the light and humidity of the air. In the bright sun it gives a warm golden breath, while after the rain it turns dark and gets a deeper, more serious tone. It is this variability of stone that gives a certain life to the monument.

Now that you have learned about the origin, the creators and the restoration of this beautiful work, I suggest you leave yourself in silence for a moment and perceive the calm that this crucifix radiates. It's where time has stopped and where we can feel the connection to our ancestors.

When looking around you notice how naturally crucifix fits into the landscape of New Vsi. It's the harmony of stone, green and sky. I hope this short trip to history has helped you see more than just a religious object in this sandstone cross. It's a story about people, about their craftsmanship and the desire to leave a trail that will last for centuries.

Thank you for your attention to this place. Now I invite you to continue to explore the surroundings and discover other hidden corners and stories of this beautiful area. Let your curiosity guide you and enjoy the rest of your journey. Goodbye and have a good trip.