Saint John of Nepomuk Statue

When the river Eisack repeatedly overflowed its banks and devastated the city once again in 1760, the town council had an arcade with a sandstone statue of St. Nepomuk built; patron saint of the city of Prague, he is believed to protect against floods and troubled waters. The statue, flanked by two angels, was moved closer to the city when the river Eisack was regulated. Whereas it used to face the White Tower from the top of a flight of stairs leading down to the river, St. Nepomuk’s gaze is turned to face the water today.

Historic background

Historic records dating back to the late 14th century prove that the Eisack river had been a potential hazard since the town was first built. The much-needed regulation of the river was finally realised at the end of the 19th century.

Interesting detail

When the statue was moved to its present place the arcade itself was walled up. It was only after World War I that it was re-opened and restored to its former state.