experience sankt veit

Plague Column

The marble plague column in the centre of the square was made by sculptor Angelo de Putti to a commission of the town corporation and the citizenry after the plague in 1715. It is made from St. Veit marble. On the octagonal pedestal, encircled by a balustrade with pinecones and two cherubs holding candles, is a two-level, square structure with a three-sided obelisk on top. On the eastern side, a table altar with the tomb figure of Saint Rosalia who has been venerated as the plague saint since the 17^th century.

The lower part holds inscriptions referring to the donation and building as well as a relief with the imperial eagle and the city arms. The wide cornice holds figures of Immaculata, Saint Rochus, St. Sebastian, Charles Borromeo and John of Nepomuk; on top of them a relief of the Holy Trinity.

The plague column was inaugurated by Emperor Charles VI. (Maria Theresia’s father) in 1715. In the course of the ceremony, Emperor Charles VI. entrusted the Trabantengarde, the civic guards of St. Veit, with the flag in the colours of the Hapsburgs.