Dec 01 2011
St. John of Nepomuk
Statue of St. John of Nepomuk
What is the story behind the statue of St. John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge, depicting a man being thrown off the bridge and why do people touch it?
The statue of St. John of Nepomuk was made by Jan Brokoff in 1683 and it is the oldest statue on the Charles Bridge. This statue is made of bronze and it’s not the only Statue depicting John Nepomuk, such statues can be found almost in every village in Czech Republic. People believe that statues of St John Nepomuk protects against floods.
St John of Nepomuk is the most popular saint in Prague who is usually shown holding a crucifix. He was thrown in the Vltava River by King of Bohemia Wenceslaus IV in 1383 as he refused to betray the confession of the queen like one of many legends say. In the same night when John of Nepomuk was murdered, five stars were seen over the place where he was drowned. He was canonized and became a saint in 1729.
People believe that if you touch the dog on the left below St. John of Nepomuk statue on Charles Bridge and make a wish, it will come through and when you touch the lady on the right, and you will return to Prague.