To create a monument of unrivalled size, wealth and beauty. That was what the citizens of Olomouc had in mind when creating the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc. This column, which was included in the UNESCO monument list due to its historical and artistic value, is the largest free-standing Baroque sculpture in Central Europe.
Its height and monumentality will captivate you at first glance. It is so large that there is even a small chapel hidden in its bowels.
When the power of art is stronger than a cannon ball
The story of the column in Olomouc is an unsettled one. The stimulus for its construction was one of the most extreme bouts of the plague which hit Moravia at the start of the 18th century. Although the city already had one plague column at that time, the citizens thought it was not spectacular enough. Once it was finished, the Holy Trinity Column immediately became a source of immeasurable pride for the people of Olomouc, who already at that time uncovered its unique nature and artistic value. Their love for this work was so great that when the city was under siege, they set out to plead with the Prussian general to tell his soldiers not to shoot at their column. The liberal general accommodated their wishes and so you can feast your eyes on the original beauty of this place to this very day.
A Baroque gallery in the open air
The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc was conceived on the basis of the symbolism of the heavenly hierarchy. Over three levels, you can see statues of saints, relief work depicting the apostles and the personification of the Virtues. Above them you can see the sculptural group of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and at the very top of the column, is the dominant feature of the Holy Trinity. The fact that the empress Maria Theresa also participated in the consecration of the column is further testament to its importance.
All you need do is take a seat…
In order to feel the true atmosphere of elegant Olomouc, all you need do is take a seat at the foot of the Holy Trinity Column and watch what is going on around you. The magnificent city palaces, the pleasant cafes and the ubiquitous students from the local universities provide the perfect backdrop for this monumental and at the same time harmonious Baroque work of art.
Unforgettable experiences