Statue of Jan Nepomuk

All the sculptures on Charles Bridge are copies. But one single sculpture, which is made of bronze, has been standing here since the end of the 17th century. This is a sculpture of the most important Saint and patron of the Czech - John of Nepomuk. The color of the sculpture is green, because bronze oxidized over time.

Many tourists stop here to make a wish that will surely come true. There is a legend about John of Nepomuk: he was a priest, once the queen came to him for confession. And she told him some important secret. Her husband, the king, wanted to know this secret, and he asked Nepomuk: “What did you learn from my wife? Tell me!” But the priest refused to answer. He said that he promised to God to keep silent, and the secret of confession is sacred. The king became angry at the refusal and ordered the priest to be killed. At night, in order to hide traces of the crime, his body was thrown from this bridge into the river, and five stars shone in the sky above the his body. That is why five stars are above his nimb - it’s his attribute.

Over time, people who walked along the bridge, began to put their hands on the bas-relief. Just like that, as a sign of solidarity. And they were very surprised when the wishes they made began, to come true! Therefore, all this became our tradition over time. In Prague, you must visit the bridge, touch the bas-relief, make a wish and... wait. Because no one knows exactly when the wish will come true. Someone could have his order before reaching the end of the bridge! Some - receive it within a year. And some wait several years even.

You need to touch those places on the bas-relief that are rubbed to gold. Touch the dog on the left side - this is a symbol of constancy to the word given to God. On the right side, touch the body of the little man who is being thrown off the bridge. This is the body of John of Nepomuk.

Photo: Alesia - guide in Prague