You are walking the crooked streets of Prague, and although you are in one of the most intrinsic cities in the world, you are feeling a little down on your luck. If this is truly the case, then make you way over to the Charles Bridge, which crosses over the Vltava River. As you cross what used to be the only way over the river, you will notice the bridge is lined with statues, pedestrians, and small vendors selling knick-knacks. One of the last statues on your right, while walking towards the Prague Castle, is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk and he just might be who you are looking for.
St. John was the priest during the time of old King Wenceslaus IV. When the Queen went for her confessional, the King had demanded that St. John share what she had confessed to him. Unfortunately for the King, the saint refused to disclose such details, as it would go against all that St. John stood for as a priest. Unfortunately for St. John, this would bring about his premature death and declare him a martyr; St. John of Nepomuk was quickly summoned to his drowning, after being thrown off the Charles Bridge.
Right about where St. John was thrown into the Vltava River, his statue stands erected for all to see. As you admire his statue, you will notice a particularly worn, golden patch on the plaque below. It is believed that if you touch this portion of the plaque, it will bring about good luck to you in the near future. If you are in need of some good fortune or want to take part in a small Prague tradition, then make sure you stop by the unmistakable statue of St. John of Nepomuk.
The Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful and iconic points in the city. It is covered with as much history as it is the number of people who cross the bridge each and every day. After receiving a little bit of luck at the St. John statue, make sure you continue up to the resilient and astounding Prague Castle so that you may be able to look out over the city. If you are lucky enough to take your travels to this old city, then maybe you don’t need St. John as much as you thought!
