The Marian Column On Brucker’s Main Square

The Marian column was erected in 1710, during the Baroque period, as a sign of gratitude and devotion to God. The town had suffered from several calamities, such as plague, fire, and floods, and the citizens hoped that by building the column, they would appease God and prevent further disasters. The column was also a starting point for pilgrimages, as many people came to pray and seek blessings from the Virgin Mary and the saints.

The column was designed by Josef Wolff, a renowned sculptor and architect who worked in Vienna and Salzburg. He created a magnificent baroque statue of Maria Immaculata, or Mary the Immaculate, who is depicted standing on a globe and crushing a serpent under her feet. The statue is placed on a smooth shaft, which bears the coat of arms of the town of Brucker. The shaft rests on a pedestal, which is decorated with four cherubs and four reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Mary.

Around the column, there are six smaller statues of saints, who are considered the patrons and protectors of Brucker. They are:

• Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, who is shown holding a bucket of water and a burning house.
• Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of soldiers and plague victims, who is shown pierced by arrows.
• Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, who is shown holding a lily and a carpenter’s square.
• Saint John Nepomuk, the patron saint of bridges and confessors, who is shown wearing a priest’s vestment and a martyr’s palm.
• Saint Rochus, the patron saint of pilgrims and invalids, who is shown lifting his robe and revealing a plague sore on his leg.
• Saint Anthony, the patron saint of animals and the poor, who is shown holding a staff and a bell, and accompanied by a pig.

The statues of the six saints were made by Ignaz Marxer, a local sculptor who was a pupil of Wolff. He used a technique called “wet plaster casting”, which involved molding wet plaster over wooden models and then carving the details. The statues were originally painted in bright colors, but they have faded over time.

The Marian column has undergone several changes and restorations throughout its history. In 1792, a devastating fire destroyed most of the town, including the main square. The column was spared, but it was replaced by a fountain, which was considered more practical and modern. The column was moved to the southern edge of the square, where it remained for almost two centuries.

In 1961, the column was restored and returned to its original location in the center of the square. The restoration was done by the sculptor Franz Xaver Ölzant, who repaired the damages and repainted the statues. He also added a new feature: a bronze plaque with the inscription “Maria, hilf uns” (“Mary, help us”), which expresses the town’s continued faith and hope.

In 2006, the column was restored again, this time by the sculptor Peter Niedermayr, who cleaned and polished the statues and the pedestal. He also added a new feature: a lighting system that illuminates the column at night, creating a stunning visual effect.

The Marian column is more than just a historical monument; it is also a symbol of the town’s identity and culture. It represents the town’s religious and artistic heritage, as well as its resilience and gratitude. The column is a source of pride and joy for the citizens of Brucker, who celebrate it every year on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of Mary. On this day, the town organizes a procession, a mass, and a festival around the column, honoring the Virgin Mary and the six saints.

The Marian column is also a tourist attraction, as it draws visitors from near and far who admire its beauty and craftsmanship. The column is a masterpiece of baroque sculpture, which showcases the skill and creativity of Wolff and Marxer. The column is also a testimony of the town’s history, which reflects the challenges and triumphs of the past.