In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Slovakia there is sometimes a statue of a saint with a star wreath on the bridges over the river. Who is this saint?
Door Wim Eikelboom/Rivierverhalen
During our cycling holidays along the Rhine, we regularly encountered it on the bridges we passed: a large stone statue of the same man holding a cross in his arms.
In the Catholic countries of Central Europe, John Nepomuk is considered the patron saint of bridges, captains, and all professions related to river navigation.
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Water spirits
As the Bridge Saint, he must prevent the bridge from collapsing. Its presence is also linked to the widespread belief that all kinds of water spirits lurk under bridges. Nepomuk must balance those evil forces that emerge when the river overflows its banks.
Nepomuk is often located in the middle of bridges over the Rhine and other major rivers. Sometimes in a small church or place where people can light a candle.
He tortures
John Nepomuk lived from 1350 to 1393 in West Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. He was a beloved priest in Prague. Nepomuk rejected the king’s offer to become a court spiritual advisor. King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia did not like this. He arrested Johannes on 20 March 1393. After torture, he was thrown into the Vltava by Charles Bridge in Prague. he drowned.
According to tradition, a miracle occurred: the body of the tortured priest floated to the surface, surrounded by five bright stars. Another version of the legend states that the Vltava River dried up at the spot where the priest drowned. Other traditions say that John’s body floated on the Vltava River with five stars forming a halo around his head.
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John Nepomuk’s popularity led to large crowds at his funeral, including a procession of condolences to Prague Cathedral. He was buried there and became the saint of the bridge.
