THE LOWER SQUARE (DOLNÍ NÁMĚSTÍ)

Dolní Square (lower square) is located south of Horní náměstí. Its shape is imprecise and completely slanted. In the center of the square is a Plague Column erected in the 18th century, as in so many other towns in the country. This Marian column (crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary at the top) was erected by the inhabitants of the city after the passage of the epidemic and has many decorative sculptures among which eight saints are identified, including St. Pauline, the patron saint of the city. Two other major sculptures are also points of attraction in the square: the Jupiter Fountain (1735, by F. Sattler) at the southeast end and the Neptune Fountain (1695, by M. Mandík) in the northwest corner. The latter symbolizes the fertility of Moravia, a region crossed by many rivers. The interest of the square is also to stroll and let your eyes wander on the beautiful facades of the sumptuous buildings that surround it. One should not miss, in particular, the Renaissance Hauenschild Palace, which is located at number 38 and dominates the square with its three floors. Dating from the 16th century, it has a beautiful portal and remarkable reliefs. We will also see the beautiful church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The square is obviously very busy and remains lively at night, with students frequenting the many bars on the south side.