Iron Knight

In the edge of Prague’s Mariánské náměstí (Marian Square) stands an enforcing sculpture referred to as Iron Knight, an artwork that makes use of the city’s abundant medieval mythology and gothic heritage. The sculpture celebrates an old tale linked to Prague’s Old Community. This dark figure stands high and daunting, in full armor and wrapped in a twisted cape.

The tale of the Iron Knight comes from a local tale concerning Jáchym Berka, a knight who was changed right into a statuary as punishment for his transgressions. According to tale, Berka was involved to be married but had to leave to combat in a fight.

Crafted in a design that merges realism with gothic scary, the knight’s armor is rendered in thorough detail, with sharp lines and dark tones that make it look like though it could spring to life under the ideal scenarios. This haunting artwork is specifically striking in the evening.

The statuary is in the top-right corner of Mariánské náměstí, extremely near to other tourist attractions. Day or sunlight, evening or rain, the sculpture is always there, conveniently reachable walking … and waiting to awaken once again.

Either way, upon his own fatality Berka was condemned to eternal life as a statuary, doomed to stay stable unless he could be retrieved with the aid– or kiss– of a virtuous woman. Just then, the tale cases, might the knight be without his iron jail time. It is said that every 100 years the sculpture comes to life and strolls the streets near his statue looking for a pious woman that can assist him compensate his transgressions.