Stone masons continue to work on the Marian Column for Prague

Prague - A team of stone carvers led by Petr Váňa continues to work on the Marian Column for Prague. The work has been ongoing since June on a barge at the Vltava river dock. Originally, the sculptors were supposed to be here for a month, intending to install the column at the Old Town Square. However, they have yet to obtain the necessary permits. By the end of June, Prague councilors refused to allow the construction. On the occasion of the 101st anniversary of the column's demolition, supporters of the Marian Column gathered today at the foundation stone, bringing flowers and candles and praying.
The Society for the Restoration of the Marian Column still believes it can realize its intention. It is currently applying for an extension of the building permit, Váňa said today in response to a question from ČTK.
At 5:00 PM, several dozen supporters of the restoration of the work gathered at the foundation stone of the Marian Column at Old Town Square. A few opponents with banners also arrived. However, they did not disturb the service. Since morning, the association of supporters has been commemorating the anniversary of the Marian Column, beginning with a mass honoring the Virgin Mary held at the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
The Marian Column has been completely in the capital since June. In June, Váňa transported about 250 stones by river. Since then, he has been finishing the Corinthian capital on the barge. People can visit the barge every Thursday to watch the stone carvers at work. "We will definitely be here until November 17," Váňa stated.
In June, Váňa and his associates placed part of the balustrade at Old Town Square. They previously received permission from Prague 1 for the construction's placement. According to him, work was to begin no later than July. However, without a valid occupation, they were not permitted to start building on the site. Therefore, the sculptors took the stones away from Old Town Square. "We applied for an extension of the building permit. The office did not reject it, but we need to add 34 stamps by the end of the year, we have about half," Váňa noted.
The dispute around the Marian Column in Prague has been ongoing since the 1990s. Supporters of its restoration view it as a symbol and a remembrance of the defenders of Prague during the Thirty Years' War and as a significant work of art from which baroque sculpture in Bohemia evolved. According to opponents, it is a symbol of Habsburg supremacy and intolerant recatholicization of the country.

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