St. John of Nepomuk Chapel (Raaff Chapel) Holzem

The St. Nepomuk Chapel in Holzem, built in 1744, goes back to a Raaff foundation (Anton Raaff was one of the most famous tenors of the 18th century).

A beautiful, small well-kept chapel here in Holzem (Wachtberg)

Saint John Nepomuk was a priest (Vicar General of the Archbishop) in Bohemia who died a martyr's death in Prague in 1393. He was thrown from Prague's Charles Bridge into the Vltava River on royal orders and drowned. His statue can still be found on many bridges today. Churches are dedicated to him far less often, as here in Wachtberg-Holzem, which is sometimes called the "Raaff Chapel" after its founder. His statue greets visitors to the chapel and passers-by alike above the entrance portal.
John Nepomuk is not only considered a popular "bridge saint", but is also the patron saint of the seal of confession. In many depictions of his person he holds a cross in one hand, sometimes he puts a finger to his lips with the other as a sign of silence (which was heard during confession).
The memorial day of Saint John Nepomuk in the calendar of saints is March 20th.