St. Johannes Nepomuk Statue, Melk

Now recognized as a protected cultural monument, the statue of Saint Johannes of Nepomuk is catalogued as a superb example of high-Baroque art and dates back to 1736, the work of sculptor Peter Widerin.

Observe the saint’s distinguishing symbols: the priest’s biretta atop his head, the crucifix he gently holds, and the halo of five stars encircling his brow. These iconographic details are characteristic of John of Nepomuk, whose legend tells that he was martyred in Prague after refusing to betray the confessional seal-thrown into a river from a bridge-and has since become a protector of bridges and safeguard against floods.

Walk all the way around the monument and you will find rich reliefs carved into the pedestal. These sculpted panels tell the life story of the saint, from his pilgrimage and the queen’s confession, through his torture, the dramatic fall from the bridge, to the recovery of his remains and his elevation into sanctity. In this way, the pedestal acts as a visual narrative of faith and sacrifice.