Wandering Apostles in Pécs, Hungary
The statues of the 12 apostles, originally intended for the cathedral in Pécs, were carved from poor-quality sandstone by Mihály Bartalits and completed in 1855. The sandstone's susceptibility to water damage led to their gradual decay over time. Associated tin items fashioned by Bartalits also deteriorated quickly. Less than thirty years after their creation, the statues were moved from the cathedral's facade to a seminary courtyard. Throughout the 20th century, their deterioration continued. In 2017, they were relocated to arcade arches built in the 1930s, near the cathedral. These arches now provide shelter from the elements for the worn statues. Atmospheric lights illuminate the apostles at night, creating a striking visual. During the day, the area in front of the statues functions as a parking lot for the cathedral. Despite their decay, the imposing arches and the statues they house are considered impressive and unique.
