Sloup s krucifixem Wayside shrine

Welcome to Kukříy, in this quiet and pleasant part of Hradec Králové. Stop for a second and take a deep breath. You are standing in Denis Square and before you stands a silent witness to history who has been here for hundreds of years. Take a look at this sandstone column, which ends with crucifix at the top. It's a place where in a sense time has stopped and where you can feel a deep connection with the people who lived in these parts long before us. Feel its simplicity and dignity, with which it stands out into the space around it. This monument, which we call the people's torment of God, is not just an ordinary stone pillar, but a symbol of faith, hope and memory for one particular person.

Let us now come together to see how this monument originated and in what context it was built. Let us move deep into the past in our minds, namely the beginning of the eighteenth century. It was the autumn day, exactly the twenty-third of November in the year of tyre seven hundred and five, when this column was completed and dedicated. It was built by the cost of own funds of Jan Vít Bláha, which was at that time a respected townsman from the royal hradec city. At that time, it was not just a simple stone structure, but an expression of deep inner faith and gratitude. Jan Vít Bláha wanted to leave a trail in the landscape and create a place for contemplation, prayer and stopping for all passers-by who were travelling here at that time. At that time, such columns had a very important meaning, serving as landmarks, but above all as a reminder of the divine presence in the everyday life of ordinary people.

Now pay attention to the actual design of the column and what you see right in front of you. Notice the material from which the entire object is made. It is sandstone, a stone that is very typical in our regions, and which has its specific, delicate texture and characteristic colour. Look down now, at the bottom of the monument. Here is a prism plinth which serves as a solid and stable base for the whole column. It is on this plinth that you will find the most interesting details that deserve your full attention. There are embossed figures of saints who in the folk tradition held very important places and people sought protection.

Try to walk slowly around the column and notice individual characters. You will see St. John Nepomuk, who is one of the most revered saints in our countries. Next to him is depicted St. Rosalie, St. Anna and St. Florian. Each of these saints had his own symbolism and people called on them for various reasons. Saint Florian, for example, was asked to protect against the devastating fires that were at that time the biggest nightmare for people living in wooden buildings. Saint Anne and Saint Rosalie were family values and protection from diseases. These carved figures add depth to the column and tell us stories of people's hopes and fears from the early eighteenth century. It is fascinating to think how many generations of people have looked at these same sandstone faces with a request for help or a silent thank you.

Who was Jan Vít Bláha and why did he put this monument here? He was a man who had his roots, his height and his ambition in Hradec Králové. One very interesting fact is connected to this place, which will help you better understand the history of this site. This monument wasn't originally in exactly the neighborhood we know today. Originally, the column was located in front of the pub which Jan Vít Bláha operated. So imagine the scene at that time: a noisy pub, people coming to a cup of beer, society, laughter, and right in front of them this quiet, pious column ending with a crucifix. It was such a contrast between earthly pleasures and the spiritual dimension of life. But what is even more fascinating is the fact that this monument stood here before Kukleny was founded. He was therefore one of the first fixed points in this landscape, around which the whole municipality later began to develop. So the column was here first and watched as houses and streets gradually emerged from fields and bows.

But history is not always about rising and beauty, but also about mistakes and human error. Let us now look at one particular chapter from the history of this column, which shows us that there was also a strict quality control in the past. In the year one thousand eight hundred ninety-four the memorial was repaired. It may seem to you now that he is in good condition, but the chronicler who wrote these events down carefully was not at all satisfied with this repair. In his minutes, he called this correction unfairly and praisily undone. It is fascinating to think that even over a century ago, there were people who noticed the quality of the craft and were not afraid to openly criticise the wrong job. This little shard of chronicle shows us that the monument was very important to the locals and they wanted it to be maintained in the best possible form, so as not to lose its dignity.

The valuation of this column came at much later times, which confirms its lasting value. Since the year two thousand twenty-two, this building has been officially registered as a cultural monument. This means that the state has recognised its historical and artistic value and ensured that it is protected for future generations. It is a recognition that even such a modest sandstone column can be a key piece of the history of the entire region and an important element of the identity of the municipality Kukleny.

Now that you know the whole story of this crucifix, I suggest you stay with him for a while and just observe quietly. Try to imagine all the people who have walked by him in the last 300 years. How many prayers have been said here, how many travelers have found a short rest and how many views have fallen on these sandstone figures of saints. This column is a real bridge between us, the people of today, and the past that has long since vanished, but still lives in this stone.

When you are ready, continue exploring around Denis Square and discover other hidden corners and beauty of Kuklen. I hope that this short trip to history has helped you to better perceive the beauty and importance of this place and that it has inspired you to explore further. Thank you for your attention and I wish you a pleasant continued journey full of new experiences. Goodbye.