socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého (Staré Ždánice) Statue

The Baroque sandstone statue of St. John Nepomucký at the bridge through the Opatovická Canal in the village Staré Ždánice (district Pardubice) is an important cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Built in 1740 by local miller Wacslaw Carel Chudoba. Since 1958, the building has been protected as a real-estate cultural monument. It represents an artistic and historical record of the Baroque period in Central Europe.

The work was created in 1740 as a manifestation of faith and religious devotion to a saint who then gained popularity as a protector of secrecy. Barok in Central Europe characterized the intense cultural development reflected in the art at that time. This statue is an example of a trend where the local population expressed their respect through plastic works.

From the point of view of architecture, the monument is a typical Baroque style. It's made of sandstone, which was common material at the time. It stands on a prism plinth with a profiled heel and top ledge. On the front of the plinth the religious character of the relief of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus in the rays. The back side shall bear a inscription with the name of the founder and the year of origin: "TO OSLAWENI / SWATÉ JANO / _ WACSLAW CAREL CHUDOBA / _ On the ledge stands a smaller plinth with the figure of St. John Nepomuk. He has a head with a biret tilted to the right, and he looks at the cross with the Corpus of Christ, which he holds in his right hand. There's a halo shining around his head with five stars.

For centuries, the statue has been part of local religious and cultural life. The declaration for a protected monument in 1958 confirmed its importance for both the municipality and the wider public. In the course of the 20th century it was moved from its original location and is now on the other side of the road behind the fence of a private garden. This change did not change its historical value, but rather highlighted the need to care for this object.

The monument is now accessible to visitors. It is worth visiting not only for its artistic value but also as part of the heritage of the village Staré Ždánice. Its presence in the landscape testifies to the region's rich traditions. When visiting, you will get to know an important part of the cultural face of the Czech Republic.

The statue of St. John Nepomuk in the Old Zdánice resembles the religious history of the region. Its protection is crucial for the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations. Visit this place and appreciate its historical importance and artistic value.