St John of Nepomuk relief, Charles Bridge, Prague

Detail of bronze relief of St John of Nepomuk on the Charles Bridge or Karluv most, built 1357 - 15th century over the Vltava river, Prague, Czech Republic. In 1393, the Bohemian king Wenceslaus ordered St John of Nepomuk (the country's patron saint) thrown off the Charles Bridge because he would not reveal the confessions of the queen. This site on the bridge marks the spot he was thrown. Legend has it that stars appeared around the saint's head the moment he hit the water. It has become traditional to touch the bridge here to bring good luck and to ensure that the visitor will return to the city of Prague. The historic centre of Prague was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Picture by Manuel Cohen

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom and United States Of America

Bohemia Czechs Kamenny Karluv Median Moldau Nepomuk Patron Praha Prazsky Superstition Vltava

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > COH