Reminder of war and plague
Innenstadt
Munich, Bayern 80331
Review © 2009, Wcities
Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
|
Reminder of war and plague |
Marienplatz Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 |
The Mariensäule was built in 1638 to fulfil an oath made by the Elector Maximilian I after Munich was occupied, but not destroyed, by the Swedes under Gustav Adolf during the Thirty Years' War. The column was erected as a reminder of the plague of 1634 in which 7,000 residents, a third of the city's population, died. On the pedestal you can see the baroque symbols for war (lions), hunger (dragons), disbelief (snakes) and the plague (basilisk) being fought (and defeated) by small cherubs. The twelve-metre-high Corinthian column is crowned by 'The Virgin Mary on the Crescent Moon' (late Gothic with Renaissance influences). Originally created in 1593 by Hubert Gerhard for the grave of Duke Wilhelm V, the Virgin Mary symbolises the Queen of Heaven (with a sceptre and crown). The Infant Jesus is depicted holding the imperial orb in his hand. Review © 2009, Wcities |
 St. Mary's Column Photo: Ying Chen |
 St. Mary's Column Photo: 41Dodge |
 St. Mary's Column Photo: Matt Ripley |
 St. Mary's Column Photo: jpmcdon |
 St. Mary's Column Photo: aya universe |
Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2009 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.