Svatý Jan Nepomucký

The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk is a stone figure of the patron saint of Bohemia, standing in Třebčín – a small village that forms part of the Lutín municipality in Moravia, a few kilometres southwest of Olomouc. The sculpture dates from 1869 and has remained one of the few historic landmarks in this small farming village for more than a century and a half.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The figure stands in the area known as Zákantí, within Třebčín. It originally stood in front of the former village school, and today it is located next to the local cultural and community centre. Třebčín itself is a quiet, small agricultural village at the foot of the Kosíř hill, on the western edge of the Haná region.

Who made the statue, and when?

The statue was carved by Václav Beck, a stonemason from Prostějov active in the region in the second half of the 19th century. The figure was made of stone in 1869 — a typical example of the local stonemasonry craft of that period, when similar votive statues were erected in many Moravian villages as expressions of religious devotion.

Why Saint John of Nepomuk specifically?

John of Nepomuk, a confessor martyred in the 14th century and patron saint of Bohemia, is venerated as the protector of the seal of confession, of bridges, of calm river waters, and of safe travel. His images — most often roadside statues or figures placed on bridges — are among the most common religious monuments across the Czech landscape, and Třebčín is no exception: comparable votive statues were raised in nearly every larger village of the region during this period.

What else is Třebčín known for?

Třebčín has existed as a settlement since the Middle Ages — its first written mention dates back to 1141, making it older than the first record of neighbouring Lutín. Since 1 July 1980, Třebčín has formally been an administrative part of the Lutín municipality rather than an independent village. According to the 2021 census, it has 773 inhabitants. Besides the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, the village preserves several other small monuments: a chapel of Saint Florian from 1857–1859, a wayside shrine with a figure of the Virgin Mary from 1898, several stone crosses from the 18th and 19th centuries, and a memorial to the victims of the First World War.

What should you know before visiting?

This is a destination for visitors interested in small-scale religious architecture and local history rather than a stop on a standard sightseeing route — Třebčín lies off the main tourist trails of the Olomouc region. It's worth combining a visit to the statue with a short walk through the village to see the other monuments mentioned above, including the Saint Florian chapel and the stone crosses. Given the village's modest size, seeing everything takes relatively little time.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk located? In Třebčín, part of the Lutín municipality in Moravia, in the area known as Zákantí, next to the local cultural centre.

When was the statue made? In 1869.

Who created the sculpture? Václav Beck, a stonemason from Prostějov.

What material is the statue made of? Stone.

Is Třebčín an independent municipality? No — since 1 July 1980 it has been part of the Lutín municipality, although the settlement itself dates back to the Middle Ages, first mentioned in 1141.

What other monuments can be found in Třebčín? A Saint Florian chapel (1857–1859), a wayside shrine with a Virgin Mary figure from 1898, stone crosses from the 18th–19th centuries, and a First World War memorial.