socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého ve Svitávce Statue
The statue of St. John Nepomuk in Svitávka is a Baroque sandstone monument from 1708, which represents an important cultural dominant of the Square of Liberty. This building is registered in the central list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic under registration number 0606.
The work was created in 1708, which confirms the chronogram on his Latin inscription. At the time of its inception, the baroque style of the Habsburg monarchy was cults and the cult of saints was a strong element of society. The unknown author made the statue, but the chronogram suggests that its creators were the hradish canons. At that time Svitávka belonged to the patronage of the Premonstratní monastery Hradisko u Olomouc.
From the point of view of art processing, the statue is made of sandstone and decorated with copper and oil gilding. The whole object consists of the plinth and the statue of the saint itself. The base is 190 cm wide, 110 cm deep and 153 cm high, while the statue reaches 233 cm high. The Sokl is decorated with a narrow frame with embossed decoration of the palm wreath and contains a Latin inscription: DIVO IOANNI NOT FORMUSENO CONSERVATORI HONORIS ET FAMae VENERANDISSIMO, VENERATIONIS ERGO HANC STATUAM POSUIT: CANONIAGRADICENSIVM. The translation is: "Divine Jan Nepomucký, protector of honor and good repute, honorable, revered, therefore this statue built by the canon of the hradiště."
The statue of the saint is placed on a horseshoe that resembles the clouds, among which are the heads of embossed angels. Jan Nepomucký has canoeing robes and a biret on his head. In bent hands, he holds a crucifix and tilts his head to his left shoulder. Originally, the statue was equipped with a five-star halo with a diameter of approximately 45 cm.
The historical fate of the monument was influenced by frequent floods in the area, leading to its location near the river Svitavy or near the road junction. In 1984 the statue was moved to the church of St. John the Baptist and in 2006 back to the Square of Liberty.
The statue is bound by a legend about an unknown man from Prague who saw a dream about building a statue of St. John Nepomuk in a small settlement Svitávka. According to the story, he sought out the settlement and after a few weeks the statue stood in the square. A newspaper, a valid metal coin and a list of the names of the then municipal council and the management of the municipality were inserted into the plinth for future generations.
At present, the statue is located in Svoboda Square in Svitávka. The first major restoration interventions took place in 2006, when new models of the cloud stick and hand-carved halo under the leadership of the Brno company Dimitri Neuwirth were provided. The cost was approximately CZK 100,000. The most recent reconstruction took place in 2024 under the leadership of Michael Mrázová, including thorough cleaning, analysis of materials and repairs of details. The project lasted three months and costs amounted to CZK 308 550.
The statue of St. John Nepomuk is a rare Baroque element that links the history of the monastery to the fate of the inhabitants of Svitávka. Her tour offers a meeting with a precise craft and Baroque symbolism in the heart of the village.
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
- 1708
- Creating a statue by an unknown author.
- 1984
- Moving the statue to the church of St. John the Baptist.
- 2006
- Return the statue to Liberty Square and the first major restaurant.
- 2024
- The most recent professional restaurants and modelling of missing parts.
Architectural development
The statue is made of sandstone and stands on a wide pedestal with Latin inscription containing a chronogram. Originally, the statue was equipped with a halo with five stars, which were handcrafted on renewal. The style of the object is typically baroque using impact elements such as clouds and angels.
Historical events
In 1984, the statue was moved to the church of St. John the Baptist. In 2006 it was moved back to Liberty Square. In 2024 there was a large restaurant led by Michaela Mrázová.
Owners
hradištská canonie (premonstrati from the Hradisko monastery)
Points of interest
- The statue of St. John Nepomuk in Svitávka is a Baroque sandstone monument from 1708. - The work was created in 1708, which confirms the chronogram on his Latin inscription. - The chronogram suggests that her creators were the canonical hradists. - The statue of the saint is placed on a pedestal reminiscent of the clouds, among which you can see the heads of embossed angels. - In 1984, the statue was moved to the church of St. John the Baptist and back to Liberty Square in 2006.
Guide
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to Svoboda Square in Svitávka, where you are now in front of one of the most famous monuments of this area - the Baroque sandstone statue of St. John Nepomuk. This monumental object, which appears to you as a noble figure on a massive plinth, is not only the cultural heritage of this place, but also its dominance.
The statue of St. John Nepomuk was created in 1708. The original author of this masterpiece remains unknown, which adds to his mystery and fascination. The chronogram on the Latin inscription of the statue confirms its formation this year and suggests a connection with the Hradiště canony, which may be interesting for those interested in the history of art.
Look up at the statue of St. John Nepomuk. You see its distinctive baroque style, which is characterized by sandstone construction and copper details enriched with oil gilding. The statue stands on a pedestal reminiscent of the clouds, which gives its attitude air and importance. The Falcon is decorated with embossed decoration of the palm wreath, which adds to the overall impression of richness and complexity.
The key personality associated with this monument is, of course, Saint Jan Nepomucký. His life story, full of sacred courage and tragic death, added legendary status to his character. The movement of the statue to the church of St. John the Baptist in 1984 and its return to Liberty Square in 2006 are important chapters in its historical context.
The interesting thing is that socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého ve Svitávce is wearing a chronogram that confirms its origin in 1708. This detail may be an interesting element of history and art for some.
Now that you've read the statue and understood its history, we will invite you to explore this beautiful city again. Svitávka has many other attractions waiting to be discovered. We hope that your visiting day will be full of pleasant impressions and new findings.
Thank you for your attention to this historic monument and we hope you will be back soon so that Svitávka can welcome you again.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the statue of St. John Nepomuk in Svitávka is in the spring or autumn period when nature is full of beauty and light is ideal for photography. This time of year offers a calm atmosphere and mild weather, which increases the pleasure of the tour.
You can use both a passenger car and public means of transport to access the sights.
When visiting the statue, remember to bring a quality camera or mobile phone to capture the beauty of the monument. Photography is particularly impressive at noon when the sun illuminates the statue with its favourable light. Also remember to bring sunglasses for sunscreen.
It is possible to visit the church of St. John the Baptist standing near the statue. This church represents another historical and architectural value that any visitor can enjoy. In addition, it is possible to walk along the river Svitavy, which offers an opportunity to relax and beautiful views.
For families with children, a visit to the statue of St. John Nepomuk is an interesting experience because it allows you to become familiar with the history and culture of the region. Children can be fascinated by Baroque architecture and stories associated with the monument. In addition, the surrounding environment is suitable for short walks, which increases the overall pleasure of the family.
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: Svitávka. 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. 1049798589).
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Kostel svatého Jana Křtitele ve Svitávce, řeka Svitava.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route in Svitavka
1. Statue of St. John Nepomuk - Type: statue - Why is it worth visiting: This famous statue is the most famous symbol of the city Svitávka and represents St. John Nepomuk, patron of Bohemia. It is an important cultural and historical element that deserves the attention of every visitor.
2. Church of St. John the Baptist - Type: church - Why is it worth visiting: This Baroque temple is not only the spiritual centre of the city, but also architectural pearls with rich interiors. His history and beauty attract travelers from all over the world.
3. Svitava River - Type: natural element - Why is worth a visit: The river Svitava is a living element of the local landscape and provides a quiet space for relaxation or short walks. It's an ideal place to enjoy the natural environment in Svitavka.
This route offers a compact and engaging way to get to know the main attractions of the village Svitávka.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring period, the statue of St. John Nepomuk in Svitávka is particularly impressive thanks to the sunlight, which highlights its details. Flowers around the building begin to bloom and bring live colour to the surroundings. Visitors can expect mild crowds because it's a period when people like to walk outside. It is recommended to wear light clothes with the possibility to add a layer to a cooler noon or evenings.
Summer: Summer is the perfect time to visit the statue because long days offer enough light for a tour. The high sun, however, may be intense, so it is advisable to use a protective hat or parasol and wear short gloves and sunglasses to protect against UV radiation. This period can be a larger number of people because it is the peak of the summer season.
Autumn: In autumn, the statue of St. John Nepomuk offers a view of the colorful woodland region. The colour of the leaves adds a delicate atmosphere and the sunlight is warm, creating beautiful photographic moments. The visit can be milder because of the colder clock today, so it is advisable to wear clothes with multiple layers and the possibility to add a warm shirt or jacket.
Winter: Winter visit to the statue offers a unique view, surrounded by snow. Solar lighting in this period is less intense and shady, giving the statue a romantic touch. Visitors should be prepared for cold conditions with warm clothes, including fur coat and protective shoes. This season is often mild crowds, which allows a peaceful tour.
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.
Tips from visitors
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Sources and literature
Photos: Lasy / CC BY-SA 3.0 — 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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