The roadway pillar of St. John Nepomuk was built in the 17th century and initially used as an announcement pole. The name of St. John Nepomuk, the patron saint of fishermen and cities surrounded by water was given to it much later. St. John Nepomuk is the patron saint of Trakai too. A sculpture of the saint was erected on the pillar. During the Soviet rule, the pillar was thrown into the lake. It was found, restored consecrated, and solemnly returned to its former place.
John of Nepomuk was a 14th-century Czech clergyman, and martyr, who was recognised as a saint by the Church after his death. When an argument broke out between the Archbishop and the King, Nepomuk opposed the King's plan and defended the archbishop. For doing so, he was arrested and, after torture and interrogation, pushed off Charles Bridge into the river in 1393. It is believed that Nepomuk died because he did not want to betray the secret of Confession; he was demanded to disclose the name of the Queen's lover, allegedly mentioned in the Confession.
A monument in Nepomuk's honour was erected on the bridge from which he was pushed: since then, the saint has been regarded as the patron saint of bridges and the protector from floods, as well as the defender of those falsely accused. The Jesuits established the cult of Nepomuk in Lithuania. The monuments dedicated to him, usually erected by water bodies, are quite common in our country. This saint is often referred to as Little Johny and is highly revered. Less educated peasants used to identify him with John the Baptist.
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