Statue of John of Nepomuk nearby the mill in Telč

The Statue of St. John of Nepomuk near the mill stands in the Podolí quarter of Telč, in the Vysočina Region of eastern Bohemia — away from the town's famous Renaissance square and château that draw most visitors. It's a Baroque stone statue dating from 1768, listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic under registry number 15358/7-5309.

Where exactly is the statue located?

Podolí is a quiet, partly residential part of Telč, lying outside the historic core inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The statue stands here next to a former mill, in a setting typical of this kind of wayside shrine — near water and working buildings, rather than on a central town square. Its coordinates, 49.1746 N, 15.4613 E, make it easy to locate on a map and reach on foot or by bicycle from the town center.

Why were statues of John of Nepomuk placed near mills?

John of Nepomuk was a 14th-century Bohemian priest who, according to tradition, was drowned in the Vltava River on the orders of King Wenceslaus IV. Over time he became venerated as a protector against floods, drowning, and other water-related misfortune. That's precisely why his statues appear so often across Bohemia and Moravia at bridges, dams, ponds, and mills — places where daily work and life were closely tied to the risks of flooding or accidents involving water. The Podolí statue fits this same pattern: millers and residents of nearby buildings would have erected such a shrine asking the saint to watch over their workplace and home.

What is known about the statue itself?

The statue dates from 1768, a period when the greatest number of Baroque wayside statues were being erected across Bohemia and Moravia — a style and custom that remained popular through most of the 18th century. Like hundreds of similar statues still standing across the region today, the stone figure depicts the saint in his traditional canon's vestments. Its status as a protected cultural monument means it benefits from conservation oversight intended to preserve it for future generations, even though it stands in a far less-visited spot than the landmarks of central Telč.

How can a visit be combined with the rest of Telč?

Podolí lies within a reasonable walking distance of Telč's famous Renaissance square and château, so the statue is best visited as part of a longer walk through town, complementing the main sightseeing route. It's a good option for travelers who have already seen the square and château and are looking for a less obvious stop — one that shows a different, more local side of Telč, tied to its history of water management and milling.

When is the best time to visit?

Since this is an open-air monument standing outdoors, spring and summer are the best times to visit, when longer days and milder weather make longer walks beyond the town center more pleasant. In autumn, the surrounding area tends to be quieter and less crowded, which can also appeal to visitors looking for a more low-key experience.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is this statue of John of Nepomuk located? In the Podolí quarter of Telč, next to a former mill, outside the town's historic center on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

When was the statue made? In 1768, during a period when Baroque wayside statues were commonly erected across Bohemia and Moravia.

Why was the statue placed by a mill specifically? John of Nepomuk is traditionally venerated as a protector against flooding and drowning, which is why his statues were often placed near water — at bridges, ponds, dams, and mills.

Is the statue a protected heritage site? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic under registry number 15358/7-5309.

Is it worth combining a visit with Telč's château and main square? Yes — Podolí is within walking distance of the town center, so the statue can easily be included in a longer sightseeing walk through Telč.