Statue of John of Nepomuk

The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands on Lazebnický Most (Barber's Bridge) in Český Krumlov, one of the most photogenic viewpoints over the Vltava River in this South Bohemian town. Facing it across the bridge is a matching figure of the Crucified Christ. Together the two sculptures have watched over pedestrians crossing between the Latrán district and the Old Town for nearly two centuries.

Where exactly is it?

Lazebnický Most links Latrán street on one bank of the Vltava with Radniční street on the other, leading toward the Old Town square. It's a small but busy pedestrian bridge; its current cast-iron structure dates from the 1830s, though a wooden footbridge is documented on the same spot as far back as the 14th century, making this one of the oldest river crossings in the town's history.

Why does the statue look the way it does, and why here?

In 1830 a fire severely damaged the wooden bridge that previously stood here. The rebuilding that followed also required demolishing the nearby Latrán Gate at the bridgehead. The new bridge, completed in the following years, was fitted with a pair of cast-iron sculptures — Saint John of Nepomuk and the Crucified Christ — replacing older stone figures that dated back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The current castings are dated to 1832 and 1835.

The choice of saint is no accident. John of Nepomuk, canonized in 1729, is the traditional patron of bridges, river crossings, and protection against flooding in the Czech lands. Statues depicting him in his standard iconography — a gilded halo of five stars and a cross held in his hands — were erected on countless bridges across the country, which is why similar figures appear elsewhere in Český Krumlov itself, including one on the Dr. E. Beneš Bridge bearing an inscription dated 1913.

What to look for on site

The bridge itself is modest in size, but it offers one of the best-known views of the Vltava's bend around the Old Town and of the hill crowned by Český Krumlov Castle. It's worth pausing at the midpoint, right by the statues, to take in the sculptural detail — the saint standing on clouds in a gesture of blessing, mirrored by the crucifix on the opposite side of the bridge. The bridge has been listed as a cultural heritage monument since 1958, underscoring its importance to the town's historic urban fabric.

Practical visitor information

The bridge sits right in the heart of town, within easy walking distance of the main square and the castle, so it naturally fits into any walk through the Old Town. It's open year-round and free to visit, though it can get crowded during the busy summer season given how many visitors pass through Český Krumlov. Early morning or late afternoon light tends to bring out the sculptural detail best and reflects nicely on the surface of the Vltava below.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is this statue located? On Lazebnický Most (Barber's Bridge) in Český Krumlov, connecting Latrán street with the Old Town, facing a statue of the Crucified Christ.

How old is the current statue? The present cast-iron figure dates from 1832–1835, replacing older stone statues from the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Why was John of Nepomuk placed on so many bridges? He is the traditional patron saint of bridges and water crossings in the Czech lands, which is why his statues appear on numerous bridges, including several within Český Krumlov itself.

Is the bridge and statue protected as a heritage site? Yes, Lazebnický Most and its statues have been listed as a cultural monument since 1958.