Statue of the Virgin Mary, Cluj-Napoca

The Statue of the Virgin Mary, officially known as the Saint Mary the Protector monument (Mária-oszlop), is one of Cluj-Napoca’s most significant baroque landmarks. Erected in 1774 by Austrian artist Anton Schuchbauer at the order of Governor Anton Korniş, the statue was originally placed near the Piarists’ Church. Like many Marian Columns across Central Europe, it was built as an act of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for halting a devastating plague, a disease that claimed more lives than many wars in the region’s history. Such monuments served as both expressions of faith and public reminders of survival during times of crisis.

Over the centuries, the monument experienced several relocations for protection and preservation. Between 1916 and 1944, it was kept at the Franciscan Monastery, safeguarding it during turbulent times. In 1959, under the communist regime, the statue was dismantled, and since 1961 it has stood on Universității Street, close to Saint Peter and Paul’s Church. The last major restoration took place between 1957 and 1958, ensuring its survival as a cherished piece of religious and cultural heritage.

The statue is closely tied to the city’s collective memory and faith traditions. Its striking baroque design features the Virgin Mary as protector, embodying both artistic elegance and deep spiritual symbolism. Today, many citizens of Cluj-Napoca advocate for returning the monument to its original location in front of the Piarists’ Church, restoring its historical and symbolic connection to the community. For visitors, the statue offers not only a glimpse into Cluj’s artistic past but also an enduring symbol of resilience and devotion that has survived centuries of upheaval.