Experts in Šternberk have completed the repairs of the plague column

ŠTERNBERK (Olomouc Region) - The restoration of the plague column in Šternberk in the Olomouc Region is coming to an end, as the main repairs have been completed. Conservators have restored the upper parts of the monument and gilded the statue of the Virgin Mary. The costs of the reconstruction amount to 2.6 million crowns, of which 400,000 crowns were contributed by the Olomouc Region. In the coming year, experts will only need to complete the repairs of the staircase.
The repair began two years ago. "It was necessary to undertake this because it was discovered that the anchoring of the statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of the column was cracked and there was a danger that it could fall," said the mayor of the city, Petr Skyva, to ČTK today.
According to him, the experts took down the statue, completely repaired it, and also restored four other statues of saints. This year, the reconstruction of the Upper Square, where the monument is located, will also take place. After that, the column will be illuminated. In the next year, approximately 260,000 crowns remain to be invested.
The Marian column in the center of Šternberk dates back to the early 18th century. People will see the restored monument for the first time on Thursday when experts unveil the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and remove the scaffolding.
Martina Šaradínová

Ceremonial Unveiling of Handke's Fresco
Thursday, September 15, 2005 5:00 PM, former Augustinian monastery
Ceremonial unveiling of Handke's fresco "The Calling of the Disciples" after professional restoration. The event will include a performance by the musical group Societa cantu gregoriani et polyphoniae.
Source: Josef Knopf from Handke's civic association