Statue of John of Nepomuk in Sobotka

The Statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands by a former railway crossing on Špálova Street in Sobotka, a small town in the Jičín district of northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. It is one of several monuments to this saint in the area — a Baroque sandstone sculpture that has watched over locals and travellers passing through this part of town for well over two centuries.

How to get there?

Sobotka lies in the Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) region, famous for its sandstone rock formations, castles and rolling hills. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby sights such as Trosky Castle or Kost Castle, and the statue itself can be found on Špálova Street, close to the site of a former railway crossing — an easy walk from the town centre. Its coordinates place it on the eastern edge of Sobotka's built-up area, toward the neighbouring village of Staňkova Lhota.

What will you see?

The statue follows the typical form of Baroque monuments to Saint John of Nepomuk, hundreds of which were erected across the Czech lands during the 18th century. The kneeling figure of the saint, crowned with a halo and dressed in priestly vestments, holds a biretta in his left hand while raising his right hand to his chest in a gesture of prayer. The figure rests on a tall, profiled pedestal whose prismatic shaft is decorated with simple ornamentation — modest but carefully executed work, typical of provincial commissions of the period.

According to the inscription on the pedestal, the sculpture dates to 1784, meaning it was created not long after John of Nepomuk's canonization, at a time when devotion to the saint was flourishing across Bohemia and Moravia. John of Nepomuk, a confessor to the Bohemian queen and vicar-general of Prague, was martyred in the 14th century and went on to become one of the most frequently depicted saints in Czech sacred art — his statues were traditionally placed by bridges, roads and river crossings, reflecting his role as protector of travellers and patron of good reputation.

Despite its modest scale, the statue in Sobotka has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958, a designation that confirms its historical and artistic value. Compared to the region's larger landmarks — such as Kost Castle or the Prachovské skály rock city — it remains a quieter, more intimate site, appreciated mainly by visitors interested in local history and sacred art.

Why stop here?

Statues of John of Nepomuk, though numerous across the Czech countryside, are rarely identical — they differ in sculptural detail, pedestal proportions, and the condition of their inscriptions. The Sobotka statue offers a close look at the craftsmanship of local late-18th-century stonemasons and makes for an interesting stop for anyone exploring the town on foot, particularly along the route between the centre and the eastern outskirts, where a railway line once ran.

When to visit?

As an outdoor monument, the statue can be viewed year-round, but spring and summer are the most comfortable seasons, when longer days make walking through Sobotka and the surrounding trails of the Bohemian Paradise more pleasant. It's worth combining a visit with a stroll through the town centre and other nearby regional attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Saint John of Nepomuk? He was a Prague clergyman and confessor to the Bohemian queen, martyred in the 14th century. He became one of the most popular saints in the Czech lands, venerated as the patron of bridges, water and good reputation.

When was the statue in Sobotka made? According to the inscription on its pedestal, the sculpture dates from 1784, during the Baroque period.

Is the statue legally protected? Yes, it has been listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958.

Where exactly is the monument located? On Špálova Street in Sobotka, near a former railway crossing, close to the village of Staňkova Lhota.