mariánský sloup na náměstí v Poděbradech Marian column

Welcome to the heart of Podebrad, right on George Square. You're standing in front of one of the most important and beautiful symbols in this city. In front of your eyes, there is a Marian pillar that dominates this entire space with its presence. Before we take a deeper tour, just look at him as a whole for a moment. Feel the beauty of a sandstone work that carries all the elegance and richness of Rococo style. This sculpture is not just an ordinary decoration of the square, it is a living story that has been standing here for hundreds of years.

Now that you have realised its meaning, let's go back together in time and find out why this monumental work is even here. Imagine a period around the mid-eighteenth century. It was a time of great concern and uncertainty. The city then faced a terrible plague epidemic that threatened the lives of many people. The people of the time sought protection and hope in celestial powers. Just as a token of deep gratitude for the fact that the city and its inhabitants survived this test, it was decided to create this sculpture. The whole building was built between 1762 and 1765. It was a process that required not only artistic talent, but also the great faith and determination of the city to honor the protectors from disease.

Now let's move on to the architecture itself and pay attention to the details you have right in front of you. Your eyes should first aim up. The dominance of the whole, which is held at the highest, is the statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. It is she who is the center of the whole religion and rules the whole sandstone piece. Her character rules the whole sculpture and heads for heaven.

Now, however, lower your view and pay attention to what is on a richly decorated pedestal. This is where the most detailed part of the work takes place. On this pedestal there are statues of four important figures which complement the overall importance of the monument. Notice the details carved into the sandstone. Here you will see the statue of St. Wenceslas, followed by the figure of St. Vojtěv. Furthermore, your attention may shift to the figure of St. Florian and finally to the figure of St. Prokop. Each of these statues is part of a complex rococo complex where organic shapes and rich ornament intersect in harmony.

The work of prominent personalities is behind this magnificent work. The architecture and overall design of the sculpture is associated with names such as Josef Bergmann and Václav Bergman. These men helped give this gratitude matter and form. In the history of this place there are also other names that have been involved in what the monument looks like today. For example, Antonín Gottfried Mollinari or Bohuslav Schnirch are names that are closely related to this place.

If you look at the sculpture itself, you may notice that it had to be repaired several times after centuries to make it still look so beautiful. History tells us of important repairs that took place in the nineteenth century and at the end of that century. In 1896 the academic sculptor A. Horák took care of the maintenance of this sandstone work. It was he who made an important repair and also installed an iron fin that you can see around the monument to ensure its protection.

Now I have one interesting thing for you that may surprise you and make you wonder how our perception of history changes. If you were standing here in 1837, you wouldn't see the same figure as you're seeing right now. At that time, there was a statue of St. Gothard. During the first major repair in 1837, this statue was exchanged for St. Wenceslas. It is fascinating proof that even such a fixed monument is undergoing changes and adapting to new times and needs.

It is also important to mention how valuable this work is to all of us. Since 1965, this sculpture has been officially declared and protected as a cultural monument. This means that every detail you see is carefully guarded for future generations, so that they, in a few hundred years, can stand here like you, and feel the same respect and wonder.

I hope this brief insight into the history of the Marian pole has enriched you. You stand before a work that is a combination of art, faith and deep gratitude for life. Please do not hesitate to see the details of sandstone statues for a while and then you will continue to explore the beauty of Poděbrad and their beautiful square. I wish you a nice walk and enjoy every moment you spend in this historic environment. Goodbye.