Pomník Jana Amose Komenského Memorial

Welcome to the beautiful city of Brandýs nad Orlicí. You've just stopped in front of one of the most important places in this area that requires a moment of peace and attention. You're standing right in front of Jan Amos Komensky's memorial. Look at him and see the weight he radiates from him. In front of your eyes is a massive sandstone pedestal and a tall pylon heading towards the sky. This whole object seems very noble and at the same time firm, as if it were part of the earth itself. If you decide to approach it, you'll hit a staircase that's exactly 18 degrees. Each of these degrees leads you up to the very heart of this work. Feel the atmosphere of a place where solid stone and deep history meet.

In order to understand why this monument is standing right here, we need to go back to the past with you, namely the seventeenth century. Imagine those hard and restless years at the beginning of that time. The world was in chaos and people were looking for safety. It was during this period, between a thousand six hundred twenty-two and a thousand six hundred twenty-five, that a man whose name belongs to the world's greatest minds and teachers came here. Jan Amos Komenský found here what was then the most precious treasure - asylum. This city was a safe port for him, where he could develop his ideas and his immense work in relative peace. The memorial was built much later, in the year one thousand eight hundred sixty-five, to remind all future generations of this important period and the presence of this great scholar. The ceremonial unveiling of this work took place on the fifth of September in the year in which the city decided to give up this oor honors to its important guest.

Now pay attention to the details that are right in front of your eyes. Notice the material from which the work is made. It's a sandstone that has its own unique texture and color. Once you get close to him, you'll see the light playing on his surface. Now look at the front of the pylon. See that bright element? It's a gilded relief. It represents the likeness of John Amos Komensky himself. This work of art was created by Josef Benke and he put all his artistic power into his work to preserve our view of this man's face. In the year one thousand eight hundred seventy-one another important element was added to the whole, bronze and also gilded plaque, which again captures the form of this great scholar and adds a whole piece of nobility. This whole architectural design was the work of Karl Liberty. Although time flows relentlessly and stones suffer, in the year two thousand and eighteen the monument passed through the total renovation so that it could once again shine so beautifully and serve other people.

Now let's think about the people who are associated with this place and this period. Jan Amos Komenský was not only a scholar, he was a man seeking truth and peace at a time of great trials. His stay here was closely linked to the times and figures like Karel starší ze Žerotína. This character plays an important role in history in understanding how people protected themselves at the time and what links existed between them. Komenský was not just a random visitor, he was a man who found peace in this place for his soul and his intellect.

Do you have a question about how important this place is to us? Since the year one thousand nine hundred fifty eight, this building has been officially protected as a real-estate cultural monument of the Czech Republic. That is the highest recognition a place like this can get in our state. This means that its value for the nation is so high that we must care, protect and preserve it for all future children and adults. It is proof that even one monument can carry the great weight of history and remind us who we are and where we come from.

I hope this short journey has enriched you over time and that you have found a moment to reflect on this monument. You're standing where history touches the present. Before you go on your walk through the city, stop for a while in silence and feel the atmosphere of this place. Brandýs nad Orlicí has many other secrets and beauty that await your discovery. Thank you for spending this moment with us. We will read you the beautiful rest of the day and many other interesting experiences in the next survey of our beautiful region.