Mariánský sloup Statue
This column is a typical testimony through which Moravia passed in the lower 1710 decade and how the civil community tried to preserve its memory.
The column was created by builder Václav Render from 1715 to 1723. It originated as an expression of the gratitude of Olomouc townspeople, because the plague that struck Moravia between 1714 and 1716 finally ended. It was common practice - the pestilence columns were built in a number of European cities as a symbol of the release from a dangerous disease and at the same time as a request for protection for the future.
The architectural decoration of the column was the work of two leading sculptors of his time. Jan Sturmer created key elements - the dominant statue of the Virgin Mary Immaculata at the top of the column, supplemented by the statues of St. Francis Xaversky and St. Charles Boromei. Tobiáš Schütz depicted the remaining statues. The lower range of statues includes St. Rocha, St. Charles Boromei, St. Francis Xaversky and St. Sebastian. The upper row brings together St. Pavlín, patron saint of the city of Olomouce, together with St. Rosalie, Saint Catherine of Sienska and Saint Barbora of Nicomedia. The individual figures had a protective function - they were patrons and patrons, believed in their ability to protect against plague and other misfortunes.
The column also had dramatic moments. In 1758 it was damaged by the Prussian siege of Olomouce. As a result of this destruction, the statue of St. Sebastian was later replaced. This intervention is one of the facts showing how intense military operations in the region were.
Age took its toll on the pillar. Between 1985 and 1992 the column passed through a large restaurant. During it, the original tormented, i.e. twisted column was replaced by a copy - a typical solution for preserving authentic elements when threatened by natural influences. Since 1995, Mariánský sloup, along with the column of the Holy Trinity and a set of baroque coughs, has been included among the national cultural monuments according to the government regulation.
The column remains an important part of the urban space Olomouce and recalls not only a specific historical event, but also the way in which society tried to cope with the crises of its time.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1715-1723
- Built by sculpture decoration and completion of the construction of the Marian column as a thank you for ending the plague epidemic.
- 1758
- Damage to the column during the Prussian siege of Olomouc and subsequent replacement of the statue of St. Shebestian.
- 1985-1992
- Restoring the column where the original tormented column was replaced by a copy.
- 1995
- Declaration of a pillar for a national cultural monument.
Architectural development
The column was built in 1715-1723 according to the project Václav Render. Originally, it had a tormented (twisted) shape, which was replaced by a copy during restoration in 1980-1992. The statues of the saints and the Virgin Mary Immaculate were created by sculptors Jan Sturmer and Tobiáš Schütz. The column is built of stone and decorated with sculpture decoration in Baroque style.
Historical events
1714-1716: The plague epidemic in Moravia, which affected the creation of a pillar as a thank you for saving the city.
1723: Completion of the construction of the Marian Column.
1758: The damage to the column during the Prussian siege of Olomouce, the subsequent replacement of the statue of St. Sebastian.
1995: Declaration for a national cultural monument.
Points of interest
- The column was built between 1715 and 1723 as a thank you to Olomouc townspeople for ending the plague epidemic in Moravia from 1714 to 1716.
- The dominant statue of the Virgin Mary Immaculata at the top of the column is the work of sculptor Jan Sturmer, who also created the statues of Saint Francis of Xaversky and Saint Charles of Boromei.
- The lower series of statues includes St. Roch, St. Charles Boromei, St. Francis Xaversky and St. Shebestian, while the upper row represents St. Pavlín, patron saint Olomouce, and other saints.
- During the Prussian siege Olomouce in 1758 was damaged, which led to the exchange of the statue of St. Shebestian.
- Between 1985 and 1992, the column passed through a large restaurant where the original twisted column was replaced by a copy.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Marian Column is a Baroque plague column in Dolní náměstí in Olomouc. At its top stands a statue of the Virgin Mary Immaculate, that is, the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
The column was built between 1715 and 1723 by Václav Render. The Olomouc citizens expressed their gratitude through it for the end of the plague that struck Moravia in the years 1714 to 1716. Two artists created the sculptural decoration. Jan Sturmer is the author of the statue of the Virgin Mary and the statues of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Charles Borromaeus. The remaining statues were created by Tobiáš Schütz. The exception is the statue of Saint Sebastian, which was later replaced.
The replacement took place after 1758, when the column was damaged during the Prussian siege of Olomouc. Another major intervention came much later. During restoration in the years 1985 to 1992, the original twisted column, which is technically called torsioned, was replaced with a copy. Since 1995, the Marian Column has been among the national cultural monuments, together with the column of the Holy Trinity and the collection of Baroque fountains of Olomouc.
In the lower part of the column are eight statues of saints in two rows. Most of them were venerated as protectors against the plague. One of the statues belongs to the patroness of the city. In the lower row stand Saint Roch, Saint Charles Borromaeus, Saint Francis Xavier, and Saint Sebastian. In the upper row are Saint Paulina, patroness of Olomouc, then Saint Rosalie, Saint Catherine of Siena, and Saint Barbara of Nicomedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mariánský sloup open to the public?
Yes, Mariánský sloup is open to the public all year round from morning to night.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
You can reach the parking lot near St. Wenceslas Square or use the city transport (tram line 1, stop OlomoucKY Square).
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
The entrance to the Marian Column is free.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all age groups.
How long does the tour take?
A tour of the Marian Column takes about 15-30 minutes.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
Mariánský sloup is available all year round from morning to evening, no booking required.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
The church of St. Wenceslas and is located near the Marian Column square with many historical buildings and statues.
For kids
Imagine going back 303 years to when our city Olomouc was still a small town full of life and sounds. It was an era before 1723 when one of the most famous historical monuments of our city - Mariánský sloup began to be built.
The city was full of life and sounds - blacksmiths' melts, carving cleavers and voices of people talking on the streets could be heard.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Olomouc Square, St. Wenceslas Church
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
Affiliate link: if you buy from the partner, we may receive a commission. The price for you does not change.
Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route Olomouc - Baroque beauty and historic atmosphere
1.Mariánský sloup * Statue * - Symbol of Faith and Baroque Championship. The extraordinary sculpture work from the 17th century, which dominates the Lower Square and is one of the most important monuments of the city. The visit is an ideal start for the Olomouc Baroque architecture.
2. Column of the Holy Trinity * Statue * - Second Baroque column in the Lower Square, smaller but equally impressive. Its location in close proximity to the Marian Column creates a harmonious set of sacral monuments and offers an interesting comparative view of two important sculptures.
3. Baroque fountains * Sculpture decoration * - The surrounding fountains of the square are decorated with sculptures and reliefs that illustrate the baroque artistic journey. Their visit will complement the perception of the local sculpture tradition and offer the opportunity to observe details that often remain unbiased by the audience.
4. Olomouc Castle * Castle * - About a kilometer west of the centre lies this medieval fortress with a rich history. Even more distant, his visit is a logical continuation of the trip, as he connects the sacral and military past of the city. The castle also offers views of Mariánský sloup and surrounding panorama.
5. Park Pod Špilberk * Park * - Towing from urban activity in green space about 1.5 km north. The park is ideal for relaxing after a walk through the historic centre and offers a quiet environment with the possibility of sitting by the water surface or under the trees.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring brings to Olomouce awakening nature and soft, gradually elongating light, which beautifully modulate the details of the sculpture work of the Marian column. In this period the atmosphere is calm and the air fresh, allowing long walks around the square without fear of overheating. Practical advice for a spring visit includes layered clothing because temperatures can be variable and it is cold in the morning or evening. The best time is the late afternoon when the sun rises above the roof and illuminates the memory of the side, while the crowds of tourists are still minimal. It is recommended that footwear with good grip, as the square tiles can be slippery after the rains.
Summer is the most frequent season for Mariánský sloup, when the city is full of visitors and atmosphere is alive. Strong sunlight creates sharp shadows that can overshadow some details of the statue, so it is ideal to visit a monument either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when light is softer and more tolerable. Given the expected crowds in the main summer season, I recommend arriving before 10:00 a.m. so you can enjoy the view without undue delay. Clothes should be light and breathable, sun protection in the form of a hat and sunglasses is essential. Do not be discouraged by the noise that is typical of summer tourism, and choose the calmer edge of the square for better photo shoot.
Autumn offers the most beautiful colour palette, where the coloured leaves of the surrounding trees create a dramatic contrast with a stone statue. Light is lower and warmer at this time, which gives the whole space a romantic and thoughtful touch. The atmosphere is colder and often accompanied by a soft fog, which can cover the memory with a mysterious veil. For the autumn visit, it is necessary to carry an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, because precipitation is more common. The best time for a tour is in the morning, when visibility is best and the crowd starts to slow down after the summer rush. Hot gloves and scarf are already in place, especially if you plan to stay longer outside.
Winter brings a unique atmosphere of silence and relaxation to the Marian Column, when the city is quiet and the monument stands out against the background of the grey sky or snow cover. Short days and low sun create long shadows and specific, cold lighting that emphasizes the texture of stone. In advent time, the surroundings can be illuminated by Christmas decorations, which adds to the magic, but also to the number of people. Practical advice includes maximum thermal insulation, including winter shoes, gloves and caps, because it can be very cold outside. The most suitable time is the late afternoon when evening lighting is switched on and the monument is obtained by magic, while avoiding morning frost and gray morning.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
Tips from visitors
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
Sources and literature
Photos: Michal Maňas / CC BY 4.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Fotografie návštěvníků
Zatím žádné fotografie. Buďte první, kdo přidá fotografii z návštěvy!
Log in a přidejte svou fotografii nebo hodnoťte.
Za ověřenou návštěvu v aplikaci získáte víc bodů — poznáme podle GPS, že jste na místě.
Reviews and comments