Holy Trinity Column
2600 Vác, Szentháromság tér 4.
The Holy Trinity Column, opposite the Piarist Church, was built between 1750 and 1755 and is one of the most prestigious monuments in Vác.
The sandstone sculpture group was erected in gratitude for the end of the plague epidemic of 1740-41, and the composition is mainly composed of statues of saints protecting from the plague and other diseases. The saints can be recognised by their distinctive clothing and attributes. The statues of St. John of Nepomuk, St. Sebastian and St. Rocco, among others, are located here.
An interesting story is that the statue of St Joseph of Kalazanci was originally planned to be placed here, but they could not agree on its placement, so now the statue of the founder of the monastery is higher than any other statue on the façade of the Piarist church opposite the monument.
The triangular plan of the base refers to the glory of the Holy Trinity. The location is also very telling, as it is placed on the border of Püspök-Vác and Káptalan-Vác, so the monument also bears the Madonna coat of arms of both districts, as well as the coat of arms of Kristóf Migazzi.
The sculptures are made of sandstone, as are all the sculptures on the façade of the Cathedral and on the Kőszentes Bridge. They are in their full splendour from spring to autumn, as sandstone does not tolerate moisture well, so they are covered with a foil during this period.
The sculpture group is a work of European importance. This square used to be a market place, with many people passing by the statues every day. Today it is still a busy road, but the group of statues is easily walkable and even visible from the beach.