Socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého (Šaplava) Statue column

Welcome to the village of Shaplava. You just stopped by one of the most important features of this place. You are standing right in front of the sandstone statue of St. John Nepomuk and at this moment you have a unique opportunity to perceive the beauty and history that is right before your eyes. Before you is a work that carries all the strength and sensibility of the old style that we love for its richness and movement. Feel the atmosphere around this place in the center of the village. This statue is not just a stone object; it is a silent witness for many years who stands here and watches the everyday life of the people who pass by it.

Now let's go back to the past together to understand how this work came about. Imagine the year one thousand seven hundred sixty-four. This is the time when one of the local citizens decided, a man named Jan Buček, to dedicate the creation of this statue as a gift for the community and for future generations. Thanks to his generosity and decision, we have the opportunity to look at this sandstone work today. But the history of this monument is not just about its beginning. It's also a story about constant care and how important this place is to local people. The statue has undergone many repairs and renovations that have been financed by the citizens themselves. This happened in the year one thousand eight hundred ninety-four, again in the year one thousand nine hundred thirty-four, and again in the year two thousand four. Even in the near future, in the year two thousand and twenty-four, the last great modification was made so that the statue could continue to look beautiful and preserve its face for centuries to come. This series of revival shows us that people take care of this work for generations, which gives it special value.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself and the details you have right in front of you. Look at the way the whole character is built. The statue stands on a massive, three-piece pedestal. This base is not only a simple stone block, but it is richly decorated and decorated, which gives the whole character a nobility. Feel the shapes and lines that wave in it. The figure of the saint himself is slightly below-life size. It means it's not huge like the monuments in the metropolis, but it has a human measure that makes you feel very close and friendly. If you look at the saint himself, notice the objects that accompany him. He holds the cross with the death of Christ in his hands, which is an important sign. He also has a special religious hat on his head that gives him dignity. The entire building is located in a stone fence, located by the road in the centre of the village. This fence has four sides and its walls are slightly bent in, which creates such a special, protected space around the statue.

When you look at the face of St. John Nepomuk, imagine its meaning. He is a symbol of something precious and sacred. And let us not forget Jan Buček, without his decision, there would be nothing here today. It's a beautiful story about how one person can leave a permanent mark in time and space. The statue stands here as a silent guardian who greets every bystander with his presence.

And now to tell you something you may not see at first sight unless you pay attention to every detail. If you could go around the statue and look at its back, you'd see something unexpected. On the back of the pillar, which holds the whole statue, there are carved images, that is, the painting of St. Wenceslas. This image is displayed as if it were in the clouds. It's like a hidden gift for those who take time for a detailed tour and want to see more than just what you can see at first sight. This detail adds further depth to the whole piece and creates a connection between different characters within this one place.

I hope you enjoyed this short journey through history and art in Shapland. The statue of St. John Nepomuk is just one of many treasures you can discover here. It's a work that encourages you to stop, to think and to see beauty in detail. Continue to walk, feel the atmosphere of the village and enjoy the peace that this journey brings you. Thank you for your visit and we will read you a beautiful day during your next survey.