Behold the Mariensäule Statue a golden beacon atop a column. It stands here in Augsburg. Mary is revered here as Patrona Bavariae. This means Protector of Bavaria.
It was 1638. The Thirty Years’ War had finally ended. Duke Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria made a vow. If Munich and Landshut were spared from war destruction, he would erect this column. The cities were spared. The Mariensäule Statue was erected to celebrate Bavaria’s victory. It celebrated victory over Swedish troops during the Thirty Years’ War.
Look up at the golden statue. It depicts the Virgin Mary. She balances on a crescent moon. She is the Queen of Heaven. This statue wasn’t originally made for this column. It was created in 1590. Originally it was located in the Frauenkirche. The Mariensäule Statue in Augsburg was the first of its kind. It was the first column of this type built north of the Alps. It inspired other Marian columns in Europe.
Now let’s focus on the base of the Mariensäule Statue. Look closely at the pedestal. Do you see the statues at each corner? These are putti. They were created by Ferdinand Murmann. Each putto battles a different beast. These beasts symbolize the city’s overcoming of adversities. One putto fights a lion. The lion represents war. Another battles a cockatrice. The cockatrice symbolizes pestilence. A third putto struggles with a dragon. The dragon represents hunger or famine. The last putto fights a serpent. The serpent symbolizes heresy.
If you look closely you can see the inscriptions on the puttis’ shields. These inscriptions apply to the Virgin Mary. They come from Psalm 91 Verse 13. The inscription says Super aspidem et basiliscum ambulabis et conculcabis leonem et draconem. This translates to Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder the young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot. These putti are not just decorative. They represent the triumph over the scourges of the age.
The inscription on the Mariensäule Statue is very powerful. The full inscription is Deo Optimo Maximo. This translates to To God the Best and Greatest.
The Mariensäule Statue has undergone some changes over time. At the end of the 20th century, the original putti were replaced. Modern copies now stand in their place. The originals were moved to the Münchner Stadtmuseum.
The Mariensaeule Statue remains a powerful symbol. It represents faith. It represents resilience. It is a reminder of Bavaria’s history. It reminds us of overcoming adversity.
As you stand here, consider the centuries of history. Consider the countless prayers offered before this statue. Think about the Mariensäule Statue. It is more than just a monument. It is a symbol of hope. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It is a reminder of Munich’s past and a beacon for its future.