The History and Legend of St John of Nepomuk Statue

The legend of St John of Nepomuk statue dates back to the year 1393. John was a vicar-general who refused to break the seal of confession. King Wenceslaus IV wanted to know what the queen had told the priest. When John stayed silent, the king ordered him tortured and drowned. Legend says five stars appeared over the water where he sank.

The current statue was the first one placed on the bridge in 1683. It serves as the model for thousands of other statues of the saint worldwide. You can recognize him by his priestly robes and the halo of five stars. His story represents bravery and the protection of sacred secrets. Many locals still come here to pay their respects during religious holidays.

The bridge itself is a masterpiece of medieval engineering and art. It connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town across the Vltava River. This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Prague. Walking across it feels like stepping back into the 14th century. Each stone and statue has a unique story to tell the curious traveler.

10 Must-See Charles Bridge Statues and Towers

There are 30 different Charles Bridge statues and towers to explore. Each one offers a glimpse into the religious and royal history of the Czech Republic. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

1. Name: Statue of St. John of Nepomuk Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. Best for: History buffs and those seeking luck. Where: Middle of the bridge, north side. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Look for the halo of five stars.
2. Name: The Bronze Relief Plaques Type: Experience Why go: Touching these reliefs is said to bring good luck. Best for: Superstitious travelers and families. Where: At the base of the St. John of Nepomuk statue. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right under the main statue. Tip: Rub the falling priest and the dog for the best luck.
3. Name: The Brass Cross with Five Stars Type: Sight Why go: This marks the exact spot where the saint was thrown. Best for: Pilgrims and photographers. Where: Embedded in the bridge railing near the statue. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for a small cross between the statue and the tower. Tip: Place your hand so each finger touches a star.
4. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in the world. Best for: Panoramic views of the city. Where: East end of the bridge. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee for entry. Getting there: Climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower steps is easy from the bridge level. Tip: Go at sunset for the best lighting.
5. Name: Statue of St. Luthgard Type: Sight Why go: Considered the most artistically valuable statue on the bridge. Best for: Art lovers and students. Where: Near the Lesser Town side. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the west end of the bridge. Tip: Notice the intricate details of the blind nun's vision.
6. Name: The Crucifix and Calvary Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest statue group on the bridge. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the Old Town end. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: First major statue on the right from Old Town. Tip: Look for the Hebrew inscription in gold.
7. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: Sight Why go: These two towers mark the entrance to the Malá Strana district. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: West end of the bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view, fee to climb. Getting there: Walk across the bridge toward the castle. Tip: The smaller tower is the oldest part of the bridge.
8. Name: Statue of St. John the Baptist Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful depiction of the saint with a shell. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Midway across the bridge. Tip: This statue replaced an earlier one destroyed by floods.
9. Name: St. Vitus Cathedral (Saint's Tomb) Type: Day trip Why go: See the actual silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk. Best for: Deep history dives. Where: Inside the Prague Castle complex. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Part of the castle circuit ticket. Getting there: Take Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: The tomb contains nearly two tons of silver.
10. Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: Indoor Why go: Learn how the bridge was built in the 1300s. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Křižovnické náměstí, near the Old Town end. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Right next to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: The ticket often includes a river cruise discount.

Planning Your Trip to Charles Bridge in 2026

To enjoy the bridge without the crowds, timing is everything. Most tourists arrive after 10:00 AM. For the best experience, visit at dawn or late at night. You can find the best time to visit Charles Bridge for photos by checking local sunrise charts. The morning light makes the statues look magical.

Prague is very safe, but watch for pickpockets on the bridge. Keep your bags closed and stay aware of your surroundings. Street performers and artists add a lively vibe during the day. However, the bridge is most peaceful when the musicians are away. Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestones are very uneven.

Public transport in Prague is excellent and affordable. You can reach the bridge easily by tram or metro. The Staroměstská station is only a short walk away. If you have time, explore the narrow streets of the Lesser Town after your bridge walk. There are many hidden cafes and gardens nearby.