Plague Memorial, Maribor, Baroque memorial column in Main Square, Maribor, Slovenia.
The Plague Memorial is a white marble column standing in Maribor's main square, crowned with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. Six carved figures of saints surround the structure, each rendered in detailed Baroque style.
The memorial was constructed in 1743 to replace an earlier column from 1681 that had been built following the end of a devastating plague outbreak. It stands as a reminder of a period when disease claimed a significant portion of the city's inhabitants.
The monument displays figures of saints who were historically invoked for protection against disease, reflecting how people of that era sought spiritual comfort during health crises. Walking around the base, visitors can sense how this spot became a place where the community gathered to express its fears and hopes together.
The memorial is located at the center of Main Square and is easily reached on foot with accessible paths around the column. Visitors should note that the square serves as a common gathering point and tends to be busier during warmer months.
A German sculptor named Joseph Straub created this monument as one of his first works in Maribor, infusing it with elaborate Baroque details. The column stands about eight meters tall and displays the craftsmanship that Straub would later bring to many other city projects.
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