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Mariensäule

About

The Mariensäule, or Column of Mary, stands at the centre of Munich’s Marienplatz as a symbol of faith and gratitude. Erected in 1638 by Elector Maximilian I to celebrate the city’s deliverance from Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years’ War, it was the first Marian column built north of the Alps. Atop the tall Corinthian column rises a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary as Patrona Bavariae, crowned and standing on a crescent moon, originally crafted in 1590 for the Frauenkirche. At the base, four bronze putti by Ferdinand Murmann battle a lion, dragon, serpent, and basilisk, representing Munich’s triumph over war, famine, heresy, and plague. Surrounded by the bustle of shops, cafés, and the Gothic New Town Hall, the Mariensäule remains a beloved meeting point and a focal landmark, blending Baroque artistry with deep historical and spiritual resonance in the heart of the city.

Munich Germany

Location

The Mariensäule is a historic Marian column located at the very heart of Munich in Marienplatz, the city’s central square and vibrant gathering place. Erected in 1638 by Elector Maximilian I, the column celebrates the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years’ War and symbolizes the city's gratitude and protection under the Virgin Mary, known here as Patrona Bavariae. Atop the 11-meter marble column stands a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, depicting her as the Queen of Heaven, while four putti at the base represent the city's triumph over war, plague, hunger, and heresy. Marienplatz itself is surrounded by iconic landmarks, including the Neues Rathaus with its famous Glockenspiel, the Altes Rathaus, and the Frauenkirche church. The square is a lively hub for festivals, markets, and cultural events, offering visitors an immersive experience in Munich’s history and daily life. The Mariensäule not only marks the city’s spiritual center but also serves as the point from which distances in Munich are measured, making it a symbolic and geographical focal point of the city.

Mariensäule

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