Statue of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Religious statue in Skalníkovy sady, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
The Statue of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux stands above the Mill Colonnade, depicting the saint in monk's robes while holding a large cross adorned with a crown of thorns. The sandstone figure occupies a prominent position overlooking the landscape and the river valley below.
The monument was erected in 1706 on Bernard's Rock, a natural stone formation with spiritual significance for the area. The original rock formation was later altered when the Mill Colonnade was expanded in the late 1800s.
The statue honors Saint Bernard as founder of the Cistercian Order, a monastic community that shaped medieval religious life and reform movements. Visitors walking past the figure encounter a tangible reminder of how this historical figure still holds meaning in the town today.
To reach the statue, follow the Teplá River's left bank from the Hot Spring and walk about 600 meters toward the Mill Colonnade and beyond. The path is easy to walk and leads directly to this elevated viewpoint overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The rock supporting the statue is only a fragment of its original size, bearing visible signs of the alterations made over the centuries. These marked differences between the preserved stone and carved surfaces tell a quiet story of how the town transformed its landscape.
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