Statue of Saint John of Nepomuk at Pohořelec

The Statue of Saint John of Nepomuk at Pohořelec is a Baroque sculptural group standing on Pohořelec square in Prague's Hradčany district, right along the route leading toward Strahov Monastery and the Loreta shrine. Prague has many monuments to this same saint, but this one stands out for its setting — a quiet, less crowded square just off the busiest tourist path through Hradčany.

Who was Saint John of Nepomuk?

John of Nepomuk was a Bohemian priest from the late 14th century, canonized in the 18th century and venerated as the patron saint of bridges, confessors, and protection from floods. According to tradition, he was drowned in the Vltava River on the orders of King Wenceslaus IV, which made him one of the most recognizable saints in Czech religious iconography. His statues — shown with a halo of five stars and a crucifix in hand — stand on bridges, squares, and crossroads throughout the Czech Republic, and Prague has an especially high concentration of them.

What does the statue on Pohořelec look like?

The composition centers on the figure of the saint, flanked by sculpted angels. One of the angels holds the Staroboleslav pallium, a reference to a relic tied to Marian veneration in Bohemia, which adds a layer of meaning beyond the figure of John of Nepomuk himself. The group is carved in the dynamic, gesture-heavy style typical of Baroque religious sculpture, with flowing drapery and theatrical poses.

Where does this sculpture come from?

The statue dates to 1752. It is generally attributed to Jan Antonín Quitainer, though some art historians credit Tadeáš Hochhausen as the author — the attribution remains debated. The sculpture did not originally stand where it stands today: it was moved to Pohořelec from the corner of Hradčanské náměstí (Hradčany Square) and Kanovnická Street, its original location.

Where exactly is the statue located?

Pohořelec is a narrow, elongated square at the highest point of Hradčany, formed after a devastating fire swept through the district in the 17th century — the name itself references the Czech word for a burned-out area. Today the square lies on the walking route toward Strahov Monastery, famous for its historic library, and toward the Loreta, a Baroque pilgrimage site known for its chiming bells. The statue sits within this square, functioning as a natural landmark for visitors moving between the two.

Why is it worth seeing on a walk through Hradčany?

Most visitors to Hradčany head straight for Prague Castle or St. Vitus Cathedral, skipping the district's quieter corners. Pohořelec, with its statue of John of Nepomuk, sits on the path between Strahov and Loreta — a good spot to slow down, look closely at the Baroque sculpture, and take a break with a view over Hradčany's rooftops before continuing toward the castle.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the statue located? On Pohořelec square in Prague's Hradčany district, along the route between Strahov Monastery and the Loreta shrine.

When was the statue created? In 1752, during the Baroque period.

Who created the statue? It is attributed to Jan Antonín Quitainer, though some art historians credit Tadeáš Hochhausen instead.

Has the statue always stood on Pohořelec? No — it originally stood at the corner of Hradčanské náměstí and Kanovnická Street before being moved to its current location.

What does the sculptural group depict? The central figure of Saint John of Nepomuk surrounded by angels, one of whom holds the Staroboleslav pallium.

Why is Saint John of Nepomuk depicted so often in Prague? Because tradition holds he was drowned in the Vltava, making him the patron saint of bridges and flood protection — statues of him were erected at bridges, squares, and crossroads throughout Bohemia.