sv. Josef

The Statue of Saint Joseph stands on a small hill above the road connecting the villages of Knínice u Boskovic and Šebetov, in the Blansko District of South Moravia, Czech Republic. This Baroque sandstone sculptural group, created in 1738, is the work of a well-known Olomouc sculptor and still dominates the surrounding countryside today.

Who created the statue, and when?

The ensemble was carved by Ondřej Zahner, a respected sculptor from Olomouc active in the first half of the 18th century. The work dates to 1738 and is made of sandstone, a material widely used for outdoor Baroque sculpture across Moravia at the time.

How is Saint Joseph depicted here?

The statue shows Saint Joseph in motion, portrayed mid-stride and leaning on a pilgrim's staff. He carries the Christ Child on his right arm, and the child waves toward approaching pilgrims — or, today, toward passing travelers. This dynamic pose is deliberate: it reflects the site's role as a station along a pilgrimage route rather than a purely decorative roadside monument.

Why was the statue placed at this particular spot?

The ensemble was designed as a stopping point on the pilgrimage route leading to nearby Šebetov, a well-known site of Marian devotion in the Blansko region. The hillock above the road between Knínice and Šebetov served as a natural resting place for pilgrims traveling between the two parishes, which explains the exposed, highly visible location chosen for the sculpture.

What else can visitors find near the statue?

A bench stands beside the ensemble, offering a view over the surrounding fields and gentle hills of the Blansko district. It remains a popular spot for a short rest, used both by hikers and cyclists passing through the area around Boskovice.

Who was Saint Joseph, the figure portrayed in the statue?

Saint Joseph, husband of Mary and guardian of Jesus, is venerated in Catholic tradition as the patron saint of workers, craftsmen, and carpenters. He is traditionally depicted holding a lily, a symbol of purity, and carrying the Christ Child, as seen in the sculpture near Knínice. Devotion to Saint Joseph was especially strong in Baroque-era Bohemia and Moravia, which explains the many roadside statues and shrines dedicated to him from this period.

Where exactly is the statue located?

The statue stands on a small rise beside the road between Knínice u Boskovic and Šebetov, in the Blansko District of the South Moravian Region. The site is publicly accessible and easy to spot thanks to its prominent position on the hillside.

Frequently asked questions

Who made the Saint Joseph statue near Knínice u Boskovic? It was carved in 1738 by Ondřej Zahner, a well-known sculptor from Olomouc active in Moravia during the first half of the 18th century.

What material is the statue made of? The sculptural group is made of sandstone, a durable material commonly used for outdoor Baroque sculpture in Moravia.

Why does the statue show Saint Joseph walking? Because the site functioned as a stop on the pilgrimage route to Šebetov — the staff and the Christ Child's waving gesture reference pilgrims nearing the end of their journey.

Is there a place to rest near the statue? Yes, a bench stands next to the ensemble, with views over the surrounding Blansko countryside.