All across the world, there are statues and sculptures that are believed to bring significance if you touch them.
One very special and popular statue is that of St John of Nepomuk – famous for its glowing gold dog.
The carving of an unknown pup has received thousands of pats from loving hands over the years – leaving it with a metallic glow.
Allegedly, the good boy brings luck, fortune and forgiveness to those that touch it.
The statue of St John of Nepomuk was installed in 1683 on the north side of the Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic.
It has been around for more than three centuries, and is a popular attraction amongst tour guides and visitors.
Legend has it that St John – Jan Neopmucky – was thrown off the bridge by King Wenceslas IV in the late-1300s for refusing to share the queen’s secrets.
The monumental statue of St John on Charles Bridge glows gold in three main spots – the image of the falling man, John; the queen, who is witnessing the event; and the unknown dog that sits faithfully on guard.
It isn’t known why the dog belongs on the plaque – as there is no dog mentioned in the legend of St John – and yet, the lucky pup has become the most popular of the three spots.
Love dogs?
Join our brand new sister website TeamDogs today!
It's a place where you can share a picture of your dog in our Top Dogs feed and share your doggy advice.
People presume the carving depicts a castle guard with his faithful hunting hound – and if you touch the statue, it means you will come back to Prague one day.
Others believe petting the dog could bring forgiveness, fortune and a long-lasting loyal relationship.
The statue of St John was the first sculpture on Charles Bridge, and is the only bronze statue out of all 30 sculptures.
No one knows who was the first person to pet the pup – but there are tourists that claim the dog was black when they visited in the 1990s.
Ever since, thousands of visitors have patted the dog so much that the bronze plaque is now polished and shiny.
Source: Read Full Article