Svratka and the Stone Bridge
The statues in front of the Church of Saint Leopold originally came from a bridge that once crossed the nearby river. This bridge, known as the Long Bridge, dates back to the 14th century when the first structure, likely wooden, was built. Later, in the 15th century, a stone bridge was constructed, though the exact dates are uncertain due to a lack of documentation. The custom of decorating bridges with statues emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, which is when the statues now in front of the church were created.
Among these statues is one of St. John Nepomuk, a prominent Catholic saint. John Nepomuk was a priest in medieval Bohemia who became a martyr after being thrown into the Vltava River from Prague's Charles Bridge by order of the Czech king, following a series of conflicts. His tragic death led to his canonization, and during the re-Catholicization of the Czech lands in the 17th and 18th centuries, he became an important symbol of Catholic faith. Statues of St. John of Nepomuk, recognizable by his distinctive pose cradling a crucifix, are commonly found on bridges to commemorate his martyrdom. The statue of Nepomuk here serves as a reminder of this tradition.
The Statue of St. John Nepomuk
In the early 19th century, severe flooding in the area raised concerns about the stability of the bridge and its statues. To prevent their loss, the statues were relocated to their current position in front of the church. The bridge itself, a stone structure, endured until the 20th century. With the advent of heavier vehicles and trams, the old bridge was deemed unsuitable and demolished in the 1930s. A modern bridge was built to replace it, but this too suffered damage during World War II. The bridge that stands today was constructed after the war, and the statues are the last tangible link to the historic structure.
Stone Bridge, Staré Brno - 1900
The surrounding area has undergone significant changes over the centuries. Originally much lower than it is today, the land around Staré Brno and the river has been built up, primarily to mitigate the risk of flooding. The area's low-lying, muddy terrain is reflected in the name "Brno," derived from an old Slavic word meaning "mud" or "muddy." Historically, the river was much wider and shallower, with steep slopes leading down to the water on both sides. Over time, human intervention transformed the riverscape, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, when both the Svratka and Svitava rivers were heavily regulated. Their meandering paths were straightened into utilitarian corridors, diminishing their natural beauty.
The Svratka River flows southeast from this location, eventually merging with the Svitava River a few kilometres away. Both rivers have seen significant alterations, and current plans aim to rejuvenate the area by making the rivers and their surroundings more appealing. Efforts are underway to create parks and improve accessibility, especially upstream toward the dam. In the coming years, this area is expected to become more vibrant and inviting, blending its historical significance with modern enhancements.