Nepomuk is a type of sculpture often appearing next to the road, typical for the region of Czech Republic and Poland. It portrays saint Jan Nepomucen, a Czech presbyter who died as a martyr by drowning after being pushed off a bridge into the Vltava river. Due to the circumstances of his death, he is now venerated as a protector against floods and rough waters. His figures are often placed next to bridges and fords. Some of the attributes characteristic for the figure are a palm leaf - a symbol of martyrdom - and a closed book - a symbol of wisdom and mystery.