Many European, including Czech, the city adorned with columns, called Plague Column. They were placed on the place of honor, usually at the central square of the city, as a gratitude to God for the fact that the plague has passed and spared many residents.

In Ostrava, a Plague Column stands in front of old town hall on Masaryk Square. It is made of sandstone, it is crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary made in the Baroque style. On the creation of this Marian column he worked famous artists - IG Selander. Created column is known - in 1702. The sculpture on the column corrected, improved and altered in 1773. While repairing the statue was entrusted to the sculptor Matheus Zidek.

Locals believe that the Virgin Mary on Masaryk Square to protect their city from the troubles and misfortunes. She bowed her head in silent grief is crowned by a halo in which there are 12 gilded stars. The column is also decorated with four vases, three of which are original, that is created in the XVIII century. A fourth crashed, so it had to replace a copy that its appearance is no different from the original vases.

The fate of the Ostrava Marian column difficult. In 1960, the city authorities decided that the period of plague for a long time has passed, and the place that occupies the post on the main town square, can be used for other purposes. Instead of grieving Madonna is set sculpture, dedicated to the events of 1948. Citizens, of course, were unhappy that their old town disfigure contemporary sculpture, but no one asked.

Mariana column rebuilt in the same place in 1992 alone.