The history of St John Nepomuk statue Charles Bridge

The history of St John Nepomuk statue Charles Bridge begins with a royal secret. John was a priest in the 14th century. King Wenceslaus IV wanted to know the Queen's private confessions. John refused to tell the King anything. This act of loyalty to the church led to his death.

In 1393, the King ordered John to be thrown into the Vltava River. Legend says five stars appeared over the water when he drowned. These stars are now a key part of his iconography. You will see them around his head on the statue. This location is now a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site.

The current bronze statue was created in 1683. It was the first of many Charles Bridge statues and towers to be placed here. It served as a model for other statues of the saint across Europe. Today, it is the most popular stop for tourists on the bridge. Many believe rubbing the plaques brings good luck.

9 Essential Charles Bridge Statues and Towers

Charles Bridge is like an open-air gallery. It features 30 statues and two grand towers. Each piece tells a unique story about Prague's religious and royal past. Here are the top items to see during your visit in 2026.

• Best overall: Statue of St. John Nepomuk
• Best for views: Old Town Bridge Tower
• Best for families: Museum of Charles Bridge
• Best free activity: Walking the bridge at dawn

1. Name: Statue of St. John Nepomuk Type: sight Why go: It is the oldest and most famous statue on the bridge. Best for: History buffs and luck seekers. Where: North side of the bridge, near the middle. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Rub the falling priest on the plaque for a return to Prague.
2. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: sight Why go: It is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic towers in Europe. Best for: Panoramic views of the Vltava River. Where: The Old Town entrance to the bridge. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Usually around 190 CZK. Getting there: Take the metro to Staroměstská. Tip: Try climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower steps for the best sunset photos.
3. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: sight Why go: These two towers mark the entrance to the Malá Strana district. Best for: Architectural photography. Where: West end of the bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view, paid to climb. Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Look for the gate connecting the two towers.
4. Name: The Crucifix and Calvary Type: sight Why go: This is one of the most historically significant sculptural groups. Best for: Seeing gold leaf details. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Look for the Hebrew inscription around the cross.
5. Name: Statue of St. Luthgard Type: sight Why go: Many experts consider this the most artistically valuable statue. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near the Lesser Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Lesser Town towers. Tip: This is a masterpiece of Baroque art.
6. Name: The Bronze Cross Type: sight Why go: This marks the exact spot where John Nepomuk was thrown into the river. Best for: Seeing the 5-star symbol. Where: On the bridge railing, near the main statue. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the small cross between the statues. Tip: Touch the five stars with your fingers for a wish.
7. Name: Statue of St. Anne Type: sight Why go: It depicts the mother of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus. Best for: Religious history. Where: North side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town side. Tip: Notice the delicate details in the stone carving.
8. Name: Statue of St. Christopher Type: sight Why go: He is the patron saint of travelers. Best for: Modern travelers seeking protection. Where: Above the stairs to Kampa Island. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Lesser Town side. Tip: This statue was added later in the 19th century.
9. Name: Museum of Charles Bridge Type: experience Why go: Learn about the engineering and construction of the bridge. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Křižovnické náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Expect to pay a small entry fee. Getting there: Located right next to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Check the Prague.eu site for current exhibition hours.

Practical Tips for Visiting Charles Bridge

To enjoy the history of St John Nepomuk statue Charles Bridge, timing is everything. The bridge is extremely crowded during the day. Visit before 8:00 AM to see the statues in peace. This is also the best time for photography. The morning light hits the Old Town side beautifully.

Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas. Always keep your bags in front of you. Street performers and artists add a lively vibe to the bridge. However, they can make it hard to see the statues closely. Take your time and move slowly through the crowds.

Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. The bridge surface is uneven and can be slippery when wet. If you want to learn more, consider a guided walking tour. Many tours focus specifically on the legends of the saints. This adds a lot of depth to your visit.