Photo: Sandra Brünner

Mariensäule in Burgau

Burgau, Styria

The Mariensäule (Marian column), dated 1750, stands on a square pedestal in the main square, featuring a gilded statue of Mary from the Veit Königer workshop. The Mariensäule is made of sandstone, is approximately 11 m high, and is crowned by a magnificent Baroque capital with the gilded statue of Mary on top. The year inscribed on the column commemorates the terrible storm and hailstorm in July 1778, which not only completely destroyed all crops but also more or less damaged almost all buildings. During this storm, the Mariensäule was also toppled and shattered. The northern tower of the castle also fell victim to the storm. Since that time, a penitential procession has been held every 2nd Sunday in July (Donati). During the renewal of Burgau's townscape, a stone fountain in the main square was designed as another noteworthy art object.