It was erected to put the plague epidemics from 1714 to 1715 in remembrance. It caused the deaths of 185 inhabitants. Michael Kosler from Kladsko was the author of the sculptural decoration.
More information about it you can get during a guided walk through the historical centre of the town "Walk from 13th into 21st century". The walks start by the townhall on Náměstí Míru (square). During a summer they run daily except Saturdays every odd hour. In other time you must order the walk on Information centre.