Rolandsäule

Roland column in Laa an der Thaya. The criminal justice monument consists of a round base pedestal and an octagonal pillory made of sand-lime stone. On top is a capital with the Roland figure. The knight in full armour and helmet carries a dagger on his back. The left hand holds a shield with the year 1575. The right arm is bent and has an iron hand carrying a market sword. This sword is a legal sign and used to be pocketed on market days or during town council meetings and is considered a sign of the presence of town and market judicial power. The date 1575 refers to a restoration of the pillory with the addition of the capital and the statue. The pillory dates back to the 14th century.