Socha svatého Gotharda Statue
The Statue of Saint Gothard in Sezemice is an exceptional late Baroque sandstone sculpture from 1775, situated along the road to Jirsko. It stands out for its rare depiction of Saint Gothard within Czech lands, making it a fascinating cultural and historical monument. Originally placed at a crossroads near Sezemice, it now marks a significant site that attracts interest due to its unique iconography and artistic elements.
Created in 1775 during the late Baroque period, when Bohemia was part of the Habsburg Monarchy, this era saw cultural and artistic developments typical of the Baroque style. These were often driven by religious commissions from the Catholic Church. The statue reflects the flourishing of religious art at that time, serving as both an expression of faith and a testament to contemporary artistic trends.
Architecturally, the statue is notable for its intricate design elements. It features a stylobate base adorned with a richly decorated cornice, embellished with volutes and a lastura. This base supports reliefs of other saints: Saint Vojtěch in bishop's attire holding a crozier, Saint Václav in princely robes with a banner and shield, and Saint Vit wearing a princely cap, carrying a palm branch and accompanied by a rooster. These elements enhance the statue’s visual appeal and provide insight into the religious iconography of the period.
The main sculpture itself is life-sized, standing at 1.5 meters tall, depicting Saint Gothard in a dynamic contrapposto pose. This posture gives the figure an esovitě (slightly twisted) appearance, adding to its expressive quality. Originally polychromed, the statue's colors have faded or been lost over time. Saint Gothard is dressed in a robe cinched with a cingulum and draped with a cloak; he wears a mitre on his head, holds a closed book in his left hand, and bears a small cross on his chest.
The choice of Saint Gothard as the subject for this statue is particularly noteworthy given his uncommon representation in Czech iconography. This rarity adds to the cultural significance of the monument, highlighting its uniqueness within the region's artistic heritage. The original polychrome elements that once adorned the statue further emphasize its historical and aesthetic value, even though these have since faded.
Today, the Statue of Saint Gothard remains a significant cultural landmark in Sezemice. Its current location along the road to Jirsko makes it accessible for visitors who wish to explore this piece of Baroque artistry. The statue's unique depiction of Saint Gothard and its detailed artistic elements make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in religious history, art, or Czech cultural heritage.
Visiting the Statue of Saint Gothard offers an opportunity to connect with the rich historical tapestry of Bohemia during the late Baroque period. Its distinctive iconography and well-preserved architectural details provide insight into the era's artistic expressions and religious influences. As a testament to both faith and artistry, this monument invites exploration and appreciation from all who are curious about its story and significance.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1775
- The statue was created as part of the late Baroque period's artistic expression.
Architectural development
The statue originally stood on a secondary location but was moved to its current position. It features a stylobate with a richly decorated cornice and reliefs of Saints Vojtěch, Václav, and Vit. The main sculpture is life-sized and shows Saint Gothard in a dynamic contrapposto pose, originally polychromed.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
A late Baroque sandstone statue of Saint Gothard from the year seventeen seventy-five stands by the road to Jirsko near Sezemice in the Mladá Boleslav district. It deserves attention mainly for whom it depicts. Saint Gothard appears relatively rarely in the Czech lands.
The statue has not always stood at this location. Originally it was situated at a crossroads in the fields, closer to Sezemice, and only later was it moved.
Together with its pedestal, it measures three hundred and ten centimetres. The pedestal is topped with a massive cornice with ornamental moulding decorated with scrolls and a shell. On its sides are reliefs of three Czech saints. In front is Saint Adalbert in bishop's vestments with a crosier. On the left is Saint Wenceslas in princely robes, holding a banner and a shield. On the right is Saint Vitus with a princely cap, a martyr's palm in his hand, and a rooster. The back of the pedestal bears an inscription.
The figure of the saint itself is somewhat smaller than a real person, measuring roughly one and a half metres. The bishop stands in pronounced contrapposto, that is with his weight shifted to one leg, and his entire body therefore curves in an S-shape. He wears a garment fastened with a girdle and a flowing cloak. A cross hangs on his chest, his head is covered with a mitre, and in his left hand he holds a closed book.
Traces of polychrome painting have been preserved on the stone. The statue was once coloured.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Statue of Saint Gothard in Sezemice is during late spring or early autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding nature is vibrant with colors. This timing allows visitors to enjoy a comfortable walk along the road to Jirsko without the summer crowds or winter chill. The lighting conditions are also ideal for photography during these months, capturing the intricate details of this rare Baroque sculpture.
Always verify the latest schedules online or through local transit services to ensure a smooth journey.
When planning your visit, consider bringing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas on foot. A camera is recommended for capturing the unique details of the sculpture, while binoculars can enhance the viewing experience from a distance. Additionally, carrying water and snacks will make your visit more enjoyable.
For photography enthusiasts, the best spots around the statue are those that allow you to capture it against the backdrop of nature or during different times of the day when the light accentuates its Baroque details. Early morning or late afternoon offers softer lighting conditions ideal for highlighting the sculpture's textures and colors.
Within a 30-minute drive from Sezemice, visitors can explore nearby attractions that complement their visit to the statue. While specific places are not detailed here, general advice is to look for local landmarks, historical sites, or natural parks in the vicinity of Jirsko and surrounding areas. These locations often provide additional context and enrich the cultural experience.
Families with children will find visiting the Statue of Saint Gothard a delightful outing. The area around Sezemice offers open spaces where kids can play safely while parents appreciate the historical significance of the site. Engaging children in stories about Saint Gothard or the Baroque period can make the visit educational and entertaining. Always ensure to keep an eye on young ones, especially near roads.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a structure in a public space that can usually be seen from outside free of charge. We have not verified that this particular one is freely accessible.
Where is the monument?
Location: Sezemice, Středočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000141045).
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Trasa: Statue of Saint Gotthard and Surroundings
1. Statue of Saint Gotthard (main destination) The statue of Saint Gotthard is an impressive artistic monument worth visiting, as it is a unique example of Baroque sculpture. It stands on the courtyard of Sezemic Castle and offers a unique opportunity to admire the details and beauty of Baroque sculptural work. 2. Sezemic Castle Sezemic Castle is worth visiting because it provides insight into the history and culture of the region. Located near the Statue of Saint Gotthard, it offers the chance to explore its courtyard and interior spaces. 3. Church of Saint Gotthard The Church of Saint Gotthard is worth visiting as it is a beautiful example of sacred architecture and offers a peaceful place for rest and prayer. It is located near the Statue of Saint Gotthard and provides insight into the history and culture of the region.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro
In the spring season, Saint Gothard's Statue is surrounded by blooming trees and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere and colorful contrast with the black statue. The lighting is mild, making it an ideal time for photography. For a visit in the spring, we recommend coming later in the afternoon to avoid ladies who come out walking with children.
Summer
In the main summer season, Saint Gothard's Statue is visited by many tourists eager to learn about local history and art. We suggest arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy viewing the statue in peace. Summer is also an ideal time for a picnic near the statue.
Autumn
In autumn, Saint Gothard's Statue is surrounded by colorful leaves, creating a pleasant atmosphere and contrast with the black statue. The lighting is mild, making it an ideal time for photography. For a visit in the autumn season, we recommend coming later in the afternoon to avoid ladies who come out walking with children.
Winter
In winter, Saint Gothard's Statue is surrounded by snow and a quiet atmosphere. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy viewing the statue in peace. It is also important to wear warm clothing and shoes to protect against cold and snow.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Jirka Dl / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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