With great respect and humility, we are preparing the statue of the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Mountains – the protector of travelers, hikers, mountaineers, nature, and its creatures.Our vision is to create something truly beautiful that will become an inseparable part of this place and a symbol of the connection between humanity, the mountains, and spiritual values – much like the Chapel of St. Francis from 2007.With deep reverence for tradition and nature, we believe that together we can create something truly beautiful and lasting.
A work that will be in harmony with the natural surroundings and radiate peace and protection, just like the Virgin Mary herself.
A sculpture of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus Christ.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS
The work was created over more than ten years. The patronage of the Queen was granted by Mons. Jan Vokál. Thanks to the KRNAP Administration, the statue could be placed in such a rare and precious location.
The entire concept is inspired by the book "Introduction to Christianity" by Joseph Ratzinger, with wise advice from the Capuchin brother Dismas and Mons. Prokop Brož.
The author of the sculpture group is Otmar Oliva, with contributions from Radim Hanke.
The technical drawings of the column, along with design ideas, were provided by Tomáš Ponec.
Minorite brother Petr Macháček helped with the inscriptions’ translations, together with Franciscans from the Holy Land.
The statue was cast by the foundry of Jiří Sovinec.
The stainless steel sculptures were cast by the company Přesné odlitky s.r.o., with polishing and grinding done by Tomáš Zapletal.
The stainless steel column was produced by the modern engineering company JihoTech spol. s r.o.
Stone and terrain work was carried out by Stanislav Farský and Tomáš Márinka.
Technical support was excellently provided by Stavební kovovýroba Pech a spol.
The endless drilling into the foundation stone was handled by Nářadí Kušnír s.r.o.
Structural integrity was ensured by Jan Chaloupský and the concrete by Jaroslav Svoboda.
More than one hundred wonderful people contributed to this project.
Under the direction of Filip Renč, this great story is coming to life as an adventurous documentary.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone –
and also a special thanks to our star-studded team.
Description of the Statue:
Material: Bronze; crown and orb made of stainless steel
Planned completion: August 2025
With respect for the divine symbol, the Throne of Divine Wisdom represents both the Church and the believing human being—someone who can attain salvation and discover their true self only through the gift of love and grace.
Mary is the image of humanity living in expectation. This image becomes ever more vital, especially when we find ourselves in danger of abandoning this expectation and turning solely to action—which, however necessary, can never fill the emptiness within the human soul.
Only absolute love gives life meaning, salvation, and everything truly essential for human existence.
The Queen’s face radiates dignity. Her gentle smile is directed at us, while a subtle expression of mockery is reserved for Evil, which no longer holds any power over her.
The central theme is the King of the Universe—Jesus Christ as a child with an open side.
As King, He is also the Servant, and as God’s Servant, He is King. The Greek word pais, used for the Servant of God, also means child.
The open side symbolizes the ever-open door: “I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
Around the Lamb gathers the cosmic liturgy—the praise offered to Him by the whole universe (Revelation 5).
Christ’s outstretched arms symbolize the cross and at the same time embrace the whole world: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)
In Him, humanity touches its future—God Himself. His extended arms offer unity, leading to the fulfillment of human existence.
The message of the work is profoundly joyful: the victory is accomplished. It is up to us whether we choose to follow this Path.
We had a special stamp
Queen of the Mountains of Erlebach
issued to mark the 240th anniversary of the founding of the Erlebach Chalet.
- Why Queen of the Mountains? Our inspiration was the Queen of the Mountains of Bozkov.
- In the Holy Year 2025, during the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a column with a statue of the Virgin Mary holding Christ will be blessed at the Erlebach Chalet in the Krkonoše Mountains.
- The Mother of God, as the Throne of Divine Wisdom, represents the Church and at the same time the New Jerusalem.
- The face of the Queen is dignified, with a gentle smile for us, and a subtle mockery of Evil – for it holds no power anymore.
- The central theme is the Child Christ, with a wound in His side and outstretched arms symbolizing the cross.
- Through this gesture, the Savior embraces the whole world.