Maria column in Vyšší Brod

The Marian column in Vyšší Brod is a Baroque-era column standing right in front of the main gate of the Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod, in South Bohemia. It is topped with a statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and, though modest in size, it marks the approach to one of the region's most important historic sites.

Where exactly does the column stand?

The column stands directly in front of the main entrance gate of the Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod, one of the best-known landmarks of the southern Bohemian Forest (Šumava) area. Its coordinates are 48.6217256, 14.3050334. Almost every visitor heading into the monastery passes this spot, even though the column itself is often overshadowed by the much larger monastic complex behind it.

What does the statue on top depict?

The figure crowning the column represents the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary — shown with loose hair, hands clasped over her chest, and a halo surrounded by twelve stars. This is a classic iconographic type found on Baroque Marian columns across Central Europe, here placed in the specific local context of the monastery gate.

Who paid for the column's restoration?

Conservation work on the statue of the Immaculata, the base architecture, and the stairs cost around 150,000 Czech crowns. The funds came from former German inhabitants of Vyšší Brod — people who had lived in this part of the Bohemian Forest before the postwar expulsions and who, decades later, chose to support the restoration of a monument in their former hometown.

Who carried out the restoration?

The restoration of the column and its statue was carried out by Lukáš Hosnedl, an academic sculptor and restorer based in Zliv. He was responsible for renewing both the Marian sculpture itself and the plinth architecture together with the stairs leading up to the column's base.

Why is this small column worth a stop?

The Marian column is a modest but telling feature of the space in front of the monastery — it links the Baroque tradition of erecting Marian columns with the local history of Vyšší Brod, including the story of its German-speaking population before the expulsions. For anyone visiting the Cistercian monastery, it's a natural point to pause before stepping through the main gate, worth a closer look at its details before continuing inside.

What should you know before visiting?

The column stands in a fully public spot right on the path leading into the monastery, so no detour or separate route planning is needed — just a slower pace as you approach the gate. It makes a good quick stop and photo opportunity before touring the Cistercian monastery itself, one of Vyšší Brod's main attractions.

Frequently asked questions

What does the statue on the column in Vyšší Brod depict? The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, shown with loose hair, hands clasped on her chest, and a halo of twelve stars.

Where exactly is the column located? Directly in front of the main gate of the Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod.

How much did the restoration of the column cost? Around 150,000 Czech crowns, covering the statue, the base architecture, and the stairs.

Who funded the restoration? Former German inhabitants of Vyšší Brod, who had lived in this part of the Bohemian Forest before the postwar expulsions.

Who carried out the restoration work? Lukáš Hosnedl, an academic sculptor and restorer based in Zliv.