Gaze upwards at the Panna Maria Svatohorsk\u00e1 Statue, a magnificent testament to faith and history, perched atop its slender column. This iconic statue, a cherished symbol of Prague, has a captivating tale to tell. In the late 14th century, the first Archbishop of Prague, Arnošt of Pardubice, commissioned a wood carving of the Virgin Mary. This delicate sculpture, only 50 cm tall, was originally placed in his private chapel, a stronghold in the heart of P\u0159\u00edbram. Over time, the statue, carved from linden wood, has undergone several restorations. Its once bright, pale wood has aged, taking on a darker patina. It is now adorned with intricate robes, which change according to the liturgical season. One set of robes, believed to be fashioned from the wedding dress of none other than Empress Maria Theresa, adds a touch of royal splendor to the statue. The statue is the focal point of a revered pilgrimage site, the Svat\u00e1 Hora or Holy Hill, which has drawn believers for centuries. This pilgrimage has its roots in a story of a miracle, when a young nobleman, recovering from a serious illness, made a vow to the Virgin Mary. Driven by faith, he embarked on a pilgrimage to P\u0159\u00edbram, where he found himself miraculously healed. The statue, and the hill upon which it stands, became a sacred place, a beacon of hope and faith for the people of Prague. As a testament to the power of the Marian statue, in 1732, the statue was officially crowned, with jeweled crowns made by Prague goldsmith Jan Ferdinand Schachtel. The crowns, along with robes, are a testament to the devotion held by the people of Prague, a devotion that has endured for centuries. Now, as you stand before the Panna Maria Svatohorsk\u00e1 statue, take a moment to reflect on its inspiring story, a story of faith, miracles, and the enduring spirit of the people of Prague.
Dolní Břežany
Could this grand Renaissance castle have once been a humble medieval fortress? It’s true! This is Dolní Břežany, dominated by