The Legend of St. John of Nepomuk

St. John of Nepomuk is the national saint of the Czech Republic. He was a priest in the 14th century. Legend says he was the confessor of the Queen. King Wenceslaus IV wanted to know her secrets. John refused to break the seal of confession.

The King became very angry. He ordered John to be thrown off the bridge into the Vltava River. It is said that five stars appeared in the water when he drowned. This story made him a symbol of loyalty and secrecy. Today, he is the most prominent figure among the many UNESCO World Heritage statues here.

10 Sights for Touching St John of Nepomuk Statue for Luck

Follow this list to find the best spots on and near the bridge. Each location offers a unique way to experience Prague history. Make sure to bring your camera for these iconic views.

1. Name: Statue of St. John of Nepomuk Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. It features the saint with a halo of five stars. Best for: Traditional luck seekers. Where: North side of Charles Bridge, near the middle. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town toward Lesser Town. Tip: Look for the bright gold spots worn down by millions of hands.
2. Name: The Bronze Relief Plaques Type: Experience Why go: Located at the base of the Nepomuk statue. Touching the dog represents loyalty, while touching the falling priest ensures your return to Prague. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Directly beneath the St. John of Nepomuk statue. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Stop at the 8th statue on the right from Old Town. Tip: Use your right hand for the best tradition.
3. Name: The Five-Starred Brass Cross Type: Experience Why go: This marks the exact spot where the saint was thrown into the river. Many believe this spot is even luckier than the statue. Best for: Those seeking deep local legends. Where: On the bridge stone railing, a few meters before the main statue. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for a small brass cross embedded in the stone. Tip: Place your palm so each finger touches one of the five stars.
4. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Sight Why go: This is the gateway to the bridge from the city center. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in the world. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Old Town side of Charles Bridge. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the top. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower steps offers a bird's-eye view of the statues.
5. Name: Statue of St. Anne Type: Sight Why go: She is the patron of mothers and marriage. People touch this statue to pray for family luck. Best for: Families and couples. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the third statue on the left from Old Town. Tip: Notice the detailed carvings of the infant Jesus.
6. Name: Statue of St. Jude Thaddeus Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of lost causes and difficult cases. People often leave small notes or prayers here. Best for: Those needing a bit of extra hope. Where: Middle section of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the north side of the bridge. Tip: He is depicted holding a club, the instrument of his martyrdom.
7. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: Sight Why go: These two towers mark the end of the bridge in the Mala Strana district. They offer a great frame for photos looking back. Best for: Photographers. Where: West end of Charles Bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk through. Getting there: Walk across the bridge away from Old Town. Tip: Visit the Prague tourism portal for tower opening times if you wish to climb.
8. Name: Kampa Island Access Type: Experience Why go: Stairs from the bridge lead directly to this peaceful island. It offers a different perspective of the bridge arches. Best for: A quiet break from crowds. Where: Just before the Lesser Town towers. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stone stairs on the south side of the bridge. Tip: Look for the "Lover's Bridge" nearby covered in padlocks.
9. Name: Statue of St. Anthony of Padua Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of finding lost things. Many locals stop here if they have lost an item or their way. Best for: Spiritual travelers. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward Lesser Town; it is on your left. Tip: He is usually shown holding the baby Jesus and a lily.
10. Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: Experience Why go: This museum explains how the bridge was built in 1357. It provides more context for the statues you just touched. Best for: History buffs. Where: Krizovnicke namesti, next to the bridge entrance. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located in the Old Town bridgehead. Tip: The museum is housed in the former Monastery of the Knights of the Cross.

Tips for Visiting Charles Bridge Statues

To enjoy touching St John of Nepomuk statue for luck, timing is everything. The bridge is extremely crowded between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. For a peaceful experience, try visiting Charles Bridge for photos at sunrise. The light is soft and the crowds are thin.

Be respectful of other visitors waiting their turn. Most people only spend a few seconds at the statue. If you see a long line, use the time to look at the other 29 statues. Each one has a unique story and artistic style. This is one of the must-see places in Prague for any traveler.