Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
Olmütz, Czechia
09.11.2018
The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is a remarkable example of Baroque art and architecture located in the city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. This monument, also known as the Trinity Column, was built in the early 18th century and is considered to be one of the most outstanding examples of its kind in Central Europe. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000, along with the Historic Centre of Olomouc, and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.
The Dreifaltigkeitssäule in Olomouc, as it is known in German, was constructed between 1716 and 1754 by the sculptor Ondřej Zahner and the architect Wenzel Render. It was commissioned by the local Jesuit order in gratitude for the end of the plague epidemic that struck Olomouc in 1713. The column was also intended to serve as a symbol of Catholic faith and to honor the Holy Trinity, hence its name.
Standing at 35 meters tall, the Trinity Column is a majestic structure adorned with richly decorated sculptures, including 18 larger-than-life sized statues of saints and angels. The column is divided into three parts, with the base representing the earth, the column itself representing heaven, and the statue of the Holy Trinity at the top representing God. The intricate details and symbolism of the column make it a masterpiece of the Baroque style.
The Historic Centre of Olomouc is also a significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most well-preserved historical city centers in the Czech Republic, with a rich history dating back to the 10th century. The center is home to several architectural gems, including the St. Wenceslas Cathedral and the Olomouc Town Hall, both of which are worth a visit.
The Trinity Column in Olomouc is not only a beautiful monument, but it also holds great historical and religious significance. It is a symbol of the city's resilience and faith, and a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Baroque period. A visit to Olomouc is not complete without admiring this magnificent structure.
Weiterführende Links
This memorial column, erected in the early years of the 18th century, is the most outstanding example of a type of monument specific to central Europe. In the characteristic regional style known as Olomouc Baroque and rising to a height of 35 m, it is decorated with many fine religious sculptures, the work of the distinguished Moravian artist Ondrej Zahner.
The Holy Trinity Column (Czech: Sloup Nejsvětější Trojice) in Olomouc, in the Czech Republic is a Baroque monument (Trinity column) that was built between 1716 and 1754. The main purpose was to celebrate the Catholic Church and faith, partly caused by feeling of gratitude for ending a plague, which struck Moravia (now in the Czech Republic) between 1713 and 1715.: 18 The column was also understood to be an expression of local patriotism, since all artists and master craftsmen working on this monument were Olomouc citizens, and almost all depicted saints were connected with the city of Olomouc in some way.: 26
It is the biggest Baroque sculptural group in the Czech Republic. In 2000 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "one of the most exceptional examples of the apogee of central European Baroque artistic expression".
