Pranýř, Historical whipping post in Náchod, Czech Republic.
Pranýř is a stone column with iron chains mounted on a pedestal positioned at the corner of the Old Town Hall in Náchod. The structure stands roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and displays the functional design of punishment devices from that era.
An Italian stonemason named Carlo Serena built this punishment device in 1659, with evidence of his work carved into the monument itself. The structure later underwent repairs that kept its original cylindrical form intact.
This stone column with iron chains served as the city's symbol of justice and law enforcement, gathering residents to witness punishments. Today it remains a quiet reminder of how communities once enforced rules and maintained order through public display.
This monument sits on Masaryk Square near the Regional Museum, making it easy to visit while exploring the town center. The location is reachable by foot from most areas of the Old Town and fits naturally into a walking tour of the historic district.
The monument bears two significant engravings that tell different parts of its history on opposite sides. These carvings record both the craftsman's work and later maintenance efforts, making the stone itself a kind of historical document.
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