Statue of Felix of Cantalica on the Cloak Bridge in Český Krumlov

The Statue of Felix of Cantalice stands on the Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) in Český Krumlov, along the passageway connecting the fourth and fifth courtyards of the castle, high above the Vltava riverbed. It is one of several Baroque saint statues lining the bridge's balustrades, figures that have become part of the silhouette of the castle hill visible from much of the old town below.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The sculpture is positioned on the bridge linking the castle courtyards, carried on a tall viaduct spanning the ravine through which the river flows and a road to the lower town runs. The coordinates for the site are 48.812586, 14.312819. Although the bridge exists purely as a functional link between castle buildings — sparing courtiers and staff the need to descend into town — its height and views have made it one of the most photographed structures in Český Krumlov.

Who was Felix of Cantalice?

Felix of Cantalice was an Italian Capuchin friar of the 16th century, remembered for his simple life, poverty, and decades of service among the poor of Rome, where he spent most of his religious life as a lay brother collecting alms for his community. His veneration spread through Catholic Central Europe alongside the growth of the Capuchin order, which explains his presence in Baroque religious imagery in Czech towns as well, including Český Krumlov.

Why are there statues of saints on the bridge?

The Cloak Bridge went through several construction phases, generally dated to 1686, 1707, 1748, and 1765, and it was during these Baroque-era transformations that the bridge acquired its current monumental form along with its set of saint statues. Alongside Felix of Cantalice, the bridge also carries statues of John of Nepomuk, Wenceslaus, and Anthony of Padua — a combination typical of Baroque piety of the period, pairing a local patron (Wenceslaus, patron saint of Bohemia) with widely venerated saints associated with religious orders.

Are these the original sculptures?

Many of the Baroque statues on the Cloak Bridge seen today are copies. The original historic sculptures were relocated to protect them from weathering and erosion and are now displayed in the castle's lapidarium. The figures standing on the bridge are faithful replicas that reproduce the form and detail of the originals, letting visitors experience the composition in its intended open-air setting.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth stopping at this statue while touring the castle? Yes — the bridge on which the statue stands offers one of the best viewpoints in the entire castle complex, with panoramic views over the old town and the bend of the Vltava, so a short stop among the saint statues fits naturally into any visit.

Is the statue inside the castle, or can it be seen without a ticket? The bridge itself is part of the freely accessible route between the castle courtyards, so the statue can be viewed without buying a ticket to the castle interiors — visiting the chambers and tower requires a separate ticket.

Why Felix of Cantalice specifically, and not another saint? The choice of saints on the bridge reflects the Baroque tastes of the town's patrons and residents. Alongside the local patron Wenceslaus, figures especially venerated among the mendicant orders, such as Felix of Cantalice, were included.

Do the other statues on the bridge share the same style? Yes, all the figures on the Cloak Bridge are executed in a consistent Baroque style, giving the whole structure a unified, monumental character despite having been added across different phases of the bridge's construction.