Mariensäule

"the Mariensäule (Mary’s Column) : The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) was a devastating conflict in Europe, rooted in religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants, as well as political rivalries. Munich, a Catholic stronghold, faced the looming threat of Swedish Protestant forces led by King Gustavus Adolphus, who invaded Bavaria in 1632. Though much of the region suffered greatly, Munich was miraculously spared significant destruction, which was attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary by the devout Catholic populace. In gratitude for this perceived divine protection, Elector Maximilian I commissioned the Mariensäule (Mary’s Column) in 1638. The column, crowned with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, was erected in Marienplatz as a public expression of faith and thanks. At its base, four cherubs symbolize the city’s triumph over war, plague, famine, and heresy—key dangers of the era. The Mariensäule remains a powerful symbol of resilience and Munich’s enduring devotion to its spiritual protector."