Marian Colum
Monument in Prague
The Marian Column on Prague’s Old Town Square has a fascinating and controversial history that reflects the city’s complex religious and political past. Originally erected in 1650 to commemorate the end of the Thirty Years’ War and Prague’s salvation from Swedish forces, it was a symbol of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for protecting the city. Designed by Jan Jiří Bendl, the column stood 14 meters tall and featured a statue of the Virgin Mary atop a Corinthian column, flanked by angels and protective lions at its base.
For centuries, the Marian Column was a prominent religious landmark, visited by pilgrims and used as a focal point for Catholic processions. However, after the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the column came to symbolize Habsburg domination and the forced re-Catholicization of Bohemia. In a burst of post-independence nationalism, it was toppled by a mob on November 3, 1918—just days after the founding of the republic—becoming one of the most dramatic acts of symbolic liberation in Czech history.
The destruction of the Marian Column remained a controversial topic throughout the 20th century, with debates over whether it was a monument of gratitude or an oppressive symbol of imperial rule. After decades of discussion, the column was reconstructed and reinstated on the square in 2020, almost exactly 100 years after it was torn down. The new statue is a replica of the original and was based on historical records and photographs, aiming to restore a lost piece of the city’s architectural and spiritual heritage.
Today, the Marian Column once again stands near the Church of Our Lady before Týn, drawing admiration for its Baroque craftsmanship and inviting reflection on Prague’s layered past. Whether viewed as a religious monument, a historical artifact, or a symbol of reconciliation, it contributes to the deep historical narrative of Old Town Square, where events of faith, resistance, and restoration have shaped the city’s identity over the centuries.
The Marian Colum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
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Visiting Marian Colum
Nearby Attractions
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Church in Prague
