Well-Loved Statues

by Michelle Cassidy

20 Places

Gregory of Nin’s Big Toe

The big toe of this towering monument to a Croatian national hero is worn from years of superstitious rubbing.

Added by duncanchappell

Edinburgh, Scotland

David Hume's Statue

Touching this 18th-century Scottish philosopher’s toe allegedly conjures good fortune.

Added by Rachel Gould

Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia Wishing Column

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet your wish will be granted.

Luis Morato

Added by Luis Morato

Springfield, Illinois

Lincoln Tomb

When you visit his grave, be sure to rub the Great Emancipator's nose for good luck.

Florence, Italy

Il Porcellino

This bronze boar's snout has been rubbed to a golden sheen by visitors seeking good fortune.

EricGrundhauser

Added by EricGrundhauser

Washington, D.C.

Albert Einstein Bronze Statue

The beloved statue at the National Academy of Sciences is oh so inviting to sit on.

SuzieF

Added by SuzieF

The Recumbent Effigy of Victor Noir

How did a French journalist’s grave become the sexiest statue in the cemetery?

The Guardhouse Monkey

Petting this mysterious iron monkey supposedly brings good luck.

Added by briansaunders

The Magic Owl of Dijon

For over 300 years this little carving has been the city’s good luck charm.

Added by blocholivier1

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philbert the Pig

This beloved marketplace mascot poops money and grants good luck.

Brady Santoro

Added by Brady Santoro

Prague, Czechia

Location of Saint John of Nepomuk's Martyrdom

A plaque marks the spot where the saint was shoved off the Charles Bridge and into the river.

allisonkc

Added by allisonkc

Cappella Colleoni

If you ever wanted to touch a medieval mercenary’s three testicles, look no further.

Max Cortesi

Added by Max Cortesi

Guidarello Guidarelli Funeral Monument

Legend has it that any woman who kissed this statue would soon be married.

Marco Dst

Added by Marco Dst

Washington, D.C.

Knife Edge

Architecture lovers won’t stop touching the National Gallery's 19.5 degree marble prow.

Elliot Carter

Added by Elliot Carter

Brussels, Belgium

Everard t'Serclaes Monument

A shining memorial to a Belgian hero is said to bring luck to anyone who touches it.

StepYoshi

Added by StepYoshi

Göttingen, Germany

Gänseliesel

The Goose Girl of Göttingen, Germany might well be the most kissed girl in the world.

CoolCrab

Added by CoolCrab

Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Bridge Monkey

It's good luck to be mocked by this monkey.

Collector of Experiences

Added by Collector of Experiences

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik Maskeron

Gargoyle head that brings good luck.

stanestane

Added by stanestane

La Alberca, Spain

Statue of St. Anthony's Pig

An ongoing medieval tradition of communal pig husbandry is honored with a handsome granite sculpture.

anncarolrandall

Added by anncarolrandall

Budapest, Hungary

‘The Fat Policeman’

Also known as Uncle Karl, the beloved bronze copper keeps a watchful eye on St. Stephen’s Basilica while people rub his lucky belly.

Fred Cherrygarden

Added by Fred Cherrygarden