Marian plague column in Nitra, Baroque monument in central Nitra, Slovakia.
The Marian plague column in Nitra is a Baroque monument featuring a four-part polygonal structure with a stair-stepped base decorated with twisted volutes and religious reliefs. The structure is crowned by a statue of Immaculata resting on a globe with a snake, surrounded by angels holding symbols of the Virgin Mary.
The monument was built in 1750 by sculptor Martin Vogerl as a response to the devastating plague epidemic that struck Nitra in 1749 under Bishop Imrich Esterhazy. It stands as a testament to the city's recovery and survival during a period of significant hardship.
The column displays statues of Saint Stephen, Saint Ladislaus, Saint Emeric, and Saint Adalbert, serving as focal points for local religious devotion. These holy figures remain connected to the spiritual identity of the region and attract visitors interested in religious heritage.
The monument sits on the southern slope of the castle hill within easy reach of Nitra's historical center. The location makes it a natural stop when walking through the old town and exploring nearby landmarks.
The sculpture displays refined symbolic details, such as the snake beneath the globe held by Immaculata, representing evil subdued under Mary's protection. These iconographic elements tell a story of rescue and spiritual triumph that visitors can uncover while examining the details.
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