Plague Column
The marble Plague Column, located in the centre of the square, was erected in 1715/1716 by Angelo de Putti and is made from marble sourced in St. Veit. It stands on an octagonal stepped base, framed by a balustrade adorned with pine cones and two putti holding candles.
Above this rises a two-tiered, cuboidal structure topped by a three-sided obelisk crowned by the Eye of God. At the foot of the obelisk sit statues of God the Father and God the Son, with the Holy Spirit depicted above as a dove.
On the east side of the column is a small altar featuring the tomb statue of Saint Rosalia, who has been especially venerated as a plague saint since the 17th century.
On the north side there is a commemorative plaque explaining the reason for the column’s erection. The inscription appeals for divine blessing so that the town may never again be afflicted by the plague.
The west side features a medallion depicting Saint Vitus in a cauldron, framed by the Habsburg double-headed eagle.
The south side carries a tribute to the provincial ruler and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles VI.
On the broad cornice stand statues of the Immaculate Mary, plague saints Sebastian and Roch, as well as Saints Charles Borromeo and John of Nepomuk. Above them is a relief of the Holy Trinity.
Historical Photograph
Image Source: Archive of the Municipal Authority of St. Veit an der Glan
Plague Column
Photographed around 1975