Selendrův sloup Wayside shrine

Selendrův sloup, located in front of the Benedictine monastery in Police nad Metují, is the oldest of several stone columns in the town and one of the early Baroque monuments of this area. Its creation in 1617 was inspired by Wolfgang Selender, the Břevno-Broumov abbot known for his hardline policies and conflicts with Protestant citizens. The column is significant not only for its historical background but also for its architectural elements, which reflect the cultural blend of the era.

The creation of Selendrův sloup was motivated by Wolfgang Selender z Prošovic as a celebration of Czech Catholicism. This column was created within a complex historical context of tensions between the Catholic and Protestant sides in Bohemia. The year 1617 preceded the Thirty Years' War, which began with the defenestration of the governors in 1618. Selender was known for his firmness and conflicts with Protestant citizens, which led to his exile from Broumov a year before the column was created.

The architecture of Selendrův sloup is fascinating in its combination of Renaissance and early Baroque elements. The column stands on three steps with a pedestal, which bears an antique base with a shaft wrapped in leafy tendrils—linden leaves at the bottom and maple leaves at the top. The upper part features a cushion volute capital and a cornice with dentils. On the pedestal are four oval cartouches intended for coats of arms, images, or inscriptions. Interestingly, the column also features various symbols and letters whose exact interpretation remains unknown.

The history of Selendrův sloup also includes its relocation. It originally stood in the square, but in 1717 it was moved to make way for the erection of another column featuring a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. The plaque in front of the column contains a historical error from the work of Václav Vladivoj Tomek, which describes events in which Abbot Selender fled from Broumov and was offered asylum in Police nad Metují. However, this story proved to be incorrect, as the column was erected a year before this event occurred.

Selendrův sloup, along with five other nearby columns, forms the so-called Mark columns. These columns are considered boundary markers of the Police Benedictine Abbey, although a complete and correct interpretation is still awaited. The importance of these columns is emphasized by records of procession rites that took place during festive services in the monastery church.

Today, Selendrův sloup stands as a monument to the past, attracting visitors with its historical value and architectural elements. It is located in Police nad Metují, where it is easily accessible to those wishing to discover a piece of Czech history. A visit to this column offers an opportunity to learn about important historical events and figures, providing a valuable experience for any historically curious tourist.