Saint Norbert, Wenceslaus and Sigismund, Religious statues on Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Saint Norbert, Wenceslaus and Sigismund is a sculptural group on Charles Bridge featuring Saint Norbert at the center, Saint Wenceslaus on the left holding a flag, and Saint Sigismund on the right. The sandstone figures stand together on a pedestal, creating a unified composition of three religious figures above the bridge's pathway.
Strahov Monastery's abbot Jeronym Zeidler commissioned these sculptures to replace earlier versions destroyed during Prussian attacks. The replacements were installed in 1853 as part of the bridge's restoration.
These three saints hold deep meaning in Czech tradition, with Wenceslaus serving as the nation's patron saint for centuries. Visitors walking across the bridge encounter figures that Czechs have long looked to for spiritual guidance and national identity.
These sculptures are positioned on the north side of Charles Bridge between Prague Castle and Old Town Square, visible as you cross on foot. Stop briefly to observe the details, as the bridge moves steadily with pedestrian traffic.
The current sculptures visitors see are replicas from 1965, as the original sandstone figures from the 1800s could not withstand Prague's weather and pollution. Those original pieces now reside in the National Museum, protected from further damage.
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