Socha Corgoňa
The legend-shrouded statue of Corgoň has been supporting the corner of Kluchov palác on Pribinovo námestie in Nitra for over 200 years. The strongman, named Corgoň by the locals, is actually Atlas from Greek mythology. According to legend, God punished him by condemning him to carry the pillars supporting the sky on his shoulders forever. Thus, the Nitra Atlas has been holding up the floor of the historic bishop's palace building for centuries. Besides the identity of the city hero, Corgoň, legends are also bound to him about fulfilling secret wishes.
The monumental statue of Atlas was commissioned by the Bishop of Nitra, Jozef Kluch. Its author is the sculptor Vavrinec Dunajský from Ľubietová, who carved and installed it in 1820. In the local jargon, Corgoň refers to an extraordinarily strong young man. Such was supposedly also the local blacksmith who lived in Horné mesto in the 16th century. When he struck the anvil with his hammer, the whole of Nitra shook. And it was he who managed to save Nitriansky hrad during the Ottoman raid. It is said that he threw huge rocks at the enemy, tearing them straight from the cliffside. In addition to his strength and mighty roar, the Turks were reportedly terrified of Corgoň's immense figure, blackened from the forge. Thinking he was a devil, they mounted their horses and fled.
In addition to the original story, many other superstitions surround the statue of Corgoň, created through the misinterpretation and corruption of old legends. Most of them say that the strongman can fulfill various wishes. If a single girl wants to get married as soon as possible, she should reportedly kiss the big toe on his right foot. If she wants to give birth to a child within a year, kissing the big toe on his left foot is recommended. Men, on the other hand, like to touch Corgoň's waist. It is said that this will make their beloved yielding to them. Before a difficult exam, students kiss all of Corgoň's toes. This is supposed to bring them luck and success. Well, so say the legends. If you feel like it, you can go and test any of them out in Nitra.
You can combine a viewing of the legendary statue of Corgoň or Atlas with a walk around the entire square, dominated in the center by a 6.6-meter-high statue of Prince Pribina. Pribinovo námestie lies right in front of the entrance to Nitriansky hrad. In Nitra, we also recommend visiting the modern Nitrianska galéria, the 2-kilometer-long historical Hradisko Zobor, whose origins date back to the Bronze Age, or the complex of Zoborský kláštor. If you have not yet booked your accommodation near the statue of Corgoň, we recommend doing so as soon as possible. Accommodation capacity in Nitra fills up quickly during the peak season. In advance, you will certainly find a pleasant guesthouse or a popular apartment that meets your expectations.
