Monument to Abraham a Santa Clara
Description:
The monument to Abraham a Santa Clara, the most famous preacher, satirist and writer, is located in the heart of Vienna - in Burggarten Park, near the walls of the Franz Joseph Imperial Palace.
Abraham a Santa Clara or Abraham of Santaclar was born in Swabia in 1644. His real name is Hans Ulrich Megerle, but having joined the monastic order of the Augustinians, the young Hans abandoned him forever. Abraham of Santaclar showed an amazing talent of a preacher, his speeches were understandable to the common people. He used metaphors, composed fables, boldly joked and ridiculed the vices of society. His witty puns and aphorisms are still known. In 1677, Abraham of Santaclar moved to Vienna and became a court preacher. His works formed the basis of modern German-language literature.
The monument to the satirist was erected in 1928.
A small marble monument is lost in the greenery of the Burggarten Imperial Park. On the pedestal the monk froze in a cassock, in one hand he holds rosaries, and the other led back, preparing to pronounce one of his immortal aphorisms. The sculpture is concise and modest, but the sculptor perfectly conveyed the character of Abraham of Santaclar.