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PRAGUE — An attractive queue that appears every day at a sculpture on Charles Bridge in Prague has become a new feature of the landmark since the 14th century.
Tourists have come a long way to the bridge over the Vltava River to visit the statue of St. John of Nepomuk. Now, visitors are engaged in the nearby Pietà sculpture to recreate the iconic 1988 photo of musical icon Depeche Mode.
The British electro-rock band first crossed the Iron Curtain in March 1988 to play a historic concert in Prague, then the communist capital of Czechoslovakia. They returned in November with the famous Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn, who captured them exploring the city for photos that later appeared in his book, “Depeche Mode: Strangers.”
One black-and-white image appeals to fans: Dave Gahan and Martin Gore standing next to the Pietà statue.
Fans have been making the pilgrimage for years, but footage of a large gathering on the bridge between the band’s 2024 Prague gigs seems to have helped fuel today’s momentum.
Currently, the picture recreated by the visiting fans is moving with millions of views on social media.
Jorge Sanchez, from California, and his wife were among the recent visitors.
“Well, I remember seeing the picture from way back, and then I remember, and I looked it up, and I learned it was here, so I wanted to make sure I took a picture,” Sanchez said.
“I think it’s appropriate at the time, you know, with their music, you know, and the message and the music with your personal Jesus and all that, so it’s very appropriate.”
Maria Hofer and Lara Hinteregger came from Austria.
“We just saw this on Pinterest or on TikTok, and it’s one of the most famous photos you can take here in Prague,” said Hofer. “So, we wanted to do it too,” Hofer said.
“Yes, and we like the feel of the music as well. We feel it fits the feel of the town very well,” said Hinteregger.
Saint John Nepomuk was tortured to death at the request of King Wenceslas IV in 1393 because he refused to break the seal of confession and revealed to him the sins of his wife. His dead body was thrown into the river from Charles Bridge.
Touching the elaborate carvings of the event placed at the base of the Nepomuk statue is said to bring luck and ensure his return to Prague.
It is not clear whether the members of Depeche Mode put their hands on the Nepomuk statue in March 1988, but they returned later that same year – and their photos have given fans another reason.
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Associated Press video correspondent Stanislav Hodina added.
