Sloup Nejsvětější Trojice v Zákupech Holy trinity column

Welcome to The Cups. Right now, when you're standing in the middle of Liberty Square, you're looking at a view that must fascinate you. In front of your eyes is the Column of the Holy Trinity. Feel the present, the weight of history that radiates from this place. This Baroque sculpture is not just a cluster of stones, it is a living story that has been taking place for centuries right here under your feet. Look at him and try to imagine what the world looked like when his first stones started to connect. Feel the atmosphere of a place where religious faith, artistic beauty and powerful history are united.

Now let's go deeper into the past and understand how this monument came into being. The whole process of its creation took place between a thousand and seven hundred and ten. But it wasn't a random act. The great duchess Anna Marie Františka Toskánská was behind all of this magnificent intention. This woman was very important to the city of Zákupy, for she had been residing here since the year six hundred and eighty-nine. Her presence here left an indelible mark in the form of this work, which was to express her position and her deep faith. The column was created as a symbol that was meant to last for generations, and in that it actually succeeded.

Now pay attention to the very form of this work. Feel the richness of baroque style. This sculpture is carved out of sandstone, which is a material that is beautiful and allows artists to do fine work, but is also sensitive to the touch of time and elements. If you look at it closely, you can perceive the structure of this stone. The architect of the whole work was Ondřej Dubke, who had to breathe the sandstone's life through his vision. Although time was changing, the shape of the column remains true to its original purpose. Did you know that in the year one thousand seven hundred fifty-six the work had undergone an important change? At the time, the repairs of the statues were made, but most importantly, the process of gilding and application of colors was carried out. Imagine how this pillar shone under the sunlight at that time, when its golden parts reflected bright rays and colors gave the whole incredible life.

The history of this column is also a history of constant care and maintenance. This monument was not just built and forgotten. On the contrary, we must always protect him from disintegration. In the year one thousand seven hundred seventeen, the first recorded repair had to be carried out. This shows how rare this object was from the beginning. Another important chapter was held in the year of a thousand eight hundred sixty, when a major renewal was carried out. This was not possible without financial assistance provided by Ferdinand V. This is proof that even in later times this pillar remained the center of interest and respect. And in order to preserve this legacy for us, today's generations, two thousand and seven last great restoration works took place, after which the pillar was reconsecrated.

But now I want to invite you to a little secret, something that might surprise you. You may find this column unique only to this city, but its roots go much further. His form was not only created by the idea of a local creator. In fact, the famous pestilence column in Vienna was the model for its form. If you know the big cities, you might remember the work that Bernhard Fischer made from Erlach. It was this Viennese pattern that inspired the creator in the Cups to create something equally spectacular and significant. It is a fascinating connection between a small town and the great metropolis of Europe that we see right in front of us.

So feel this sandstone column as the link between the past and the present. It is a work that has survived for hundreds of years, survived repairs, gilding and changes in political systems. He stands here as a witness to the time that tells us about the Grand Duchy, the capable architects and the people who made sure this treasure didn't disappear.

Now that you know the story of this baroque sculpture, you can continue your walk through Liberty Square. Take a look around, see the atmosphere of this place and enjoy the beauty of the Zákup. Thank you for spending this moment with us and paying attention to this historic monument. We wish you a beautiful rest of the day and another pleasant discovery of the surroundings.