Mariánský sloup (Broumov) Marian column

Welcome to the heart of Broumova. Right now, you're standing in Peace Square, and in front of you is one of the most distinctive symbols of this place, the Marian Column. Stop for a moment, take a breath and let your eyes slowly rise from the ground to the very top. The first impression of this work is the feeling of stability and at the same time a spiritual take-off that dominates the entire space around you. It is a monument that carries hundreds of years of history and tells the story of faith, generosity and the pursuit of perfection in art.

Now let's move back more than 300 years in time. Imagine this square in the early eighteenth century. In these seven hundred and six years, this pillar was built as a gift for the city. A man with great power and influence, abbot of the Broum monastery called Otmar Zinke, was behind his creation. It was not just a simple decorating of the square, but a profound expression of gratitude and spiritual commitment. The ceremonial consecration of the first pillar took place on the 30th of November of the same year, when Abbot Otmar personally informed him. At that time, such works were an expression of protection over the city and its inhabitants, making this place the spiritual center of the community.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself and the details that you can see right in front of you. Look at the base first. The column stands on a high footstool which is not smooth but is divided into several parts. Notice the niche, which are such deep niche in the stone. It is in them that the statues of the saints are placed, which watch over the visitors. The whole piece is very richly decorated. In addition to the nobodies in the footstool, follow the diagonal pedestals, where the statues of the saints are also found. These figures provide a column of dynamics and pass your view upwards.

If you move your head even higher, you'll see the stick itself. Here is one of the most fascinating elements of the entire work. Note that the blade is not simple, but it is bolted. What is truly incredible, however, is the fact that this circular shape was formed from one single piece of stone. Imagine the craftsmanship and patience that needed to be carved from a single massive rock in such a fine and smooth shape. This project was worked by recognized masters of their time, namely Jan Brokoff and Gottfried Bóssewetter. It is Jan Brokoff that has put his personal care into the work, which is evident in the precision of every detail.

The top of the column is the crown of the entire work. Look up. The dominant is the statue of the Virgin Mary with Jesus in his arms. If you look at it carefully, you'll find it's a two-sided statue. This means that it is represented so that it can be seen from both sides. This detail is not random, and behind it is a very practical, human story. The original statue of Madonna, which stood here in the year of tyre seven hundred and six, was one-sided. The problem was she was pointing her back to most of the city. The residents and visitors could not fully perceive her face and expression. This led to a decision to change its form. The second August in the year of tyre seven hundred twenty-eight was ceremoniously sanctified a new form of a pillar with this two-sided statue to make the Virgin Mary accessible to all, regardless of which side of the square they come from.

When we think about this monumental work, you might wonder how much it cost back then. Historical records here are surprisingly accurate. The total price of this column was three hundred and three gold and one tailor. At that time, it was a sizeable financial contribution, confirming the importance of this monument for Abbot Otmar Zink and the whole city.

Of course, time leaves its mark on stone. The column had to go through repairs over the years to maintain its beauty. The first documented repair took place in the year one thousand eight hundred forty-four and was ceremonially sanctified on the 15th of September. Unfortunately, the monument has seen even sadder moments. In a thousand and nine hundred and sixty, the statue of St. Scholastika was knocked down. Fortunately, however, it was not the end because the statue was subsequently repaired and returned to its place so that it could be part of this sacral whole again.

Stop now for a moment and perceive the atmosphere of this place. The Marian column is not just a pile of stone and statues, but it is the materialized history of Broumova. It's a place where the art of baroque times meets the human need for protection and faith. From a bolted blade to a holy one, to a two-sided Madonna looking at the city, each element is part of a wider story.

Now that you've learned the secret and history of this column, I suggest you go around it. Try to look at it from different angles and verify how the two-sided statue actually works at the top. Feel how light changes on stone and how the column fits into the context of the surrounding buildings of Peace Square.

Thank you for spending this time with us at the Marian Column. We hope you have discovered the beauty of this unique work. We now invite you to explore the beautiful Broumov. We wish you a pleasant walk and many other unforgettable experiences in our city. Goodbye.