The Millennium Column

In September 1901, the town council had been trying to erect a monument in commemoration of its millennium ceremony, but the financial means for its completion were only raised some eight years later. The column, crafted by sculptor Norbert Pfretscher, was therefore inaugurated in 1909 during the celebrations marking the 100th-year anniversary of the Tyrolean freedom insurgencies. The 9,63 metre-tall column is adorned with the paschal lamb, the heraldic animal of both the city and the diocese. Bishop Zachary is portrayed in the pedestal in the act of blessing the town, while the putto kneeling at his feet hands him a document, the official deed of donation. The bronze reliefs to the sides of the pedestal show three crucial scenes: to the left, the Tyrolean freedom fighter Peter Mayr is saying goodbye to his wife on the eve of his execution; at the front the Sacred Heart carried by two angels symbolises divine protection of the town and the county surrounding it while the third relief shows prince-bishop Matthew an der Gassen assigning feudal tenure of the Brixen area to the Habsburgian Rudolf IV in a ceremony dating back to 1363.

Historic background

The turn of the century with its numerous technological innovations saw great changes in the town of Brixen and encouraged the rise of tourism, which again brought great wealth to the city and promoted town development. Alongside extensive private building and the construction of the renowned sanatorium, the river Eisack was regulated, and the town underwent enormous transformation: electric street lights and the building of an extensive water distribution system finally marked the beginning of the modern era. The 1000-year anniversary celebrated on 26 and 27 October 1901 was literally the highlight in this transition period: the festivities were attended by numerous celebrities and politicians of the time and held in a patriotic and historic spirit. Brixen celebrated its long-established Tyrolean custom and tradition while, as pointed out by contemporary witness professor Sigmund Waitz, looking enthusiastically toward a bright and promising future.