Some of these were suggested by readers of our previous post, 10 unusual monuments to rub, kiss or pat for good luck. Many thanks!
Let's face it, when people travel a long way to see a monument, sometimes looking just isn't enough. Sometimes they want — no, need — to touch! Here are 10 monuments that fill that need.
1. Stephen Foster Sculpture
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
At least since the American Civil Rights Movement, this statue of a white man and slave has periodically stirred public debate. Some claim that it's racist, others claim that Uncle Ned, the song whose composition is depicted, is actually one of the first anti-slavery songs.
Controversial or not, many people believe that rubbing Ned's big toe will bring good luck.
2. Casa di Giulietta
Verona, Italy
In Verona, Italy, a house claiming to be the Capulets' house from Romeo and Juliet has been turned into a tourist attraction. It features the balcony and, in the small courtyard, a bronze statue of Juliet baring her breast.
Legend has it that if a person strokes the breast of the statue, that person will have good fortune.
(image credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink)
(image credit: HenkLiu)
3. St. John of Nepomuk
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The most popular statue on the Charles Bridge in Prague is probably the one of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr saint who was executed by being thrown into the Vltava from the bridge. The base portrays scenes from the life of St. John, including his death.
The plaque has been polished to a shine by countless people caressing it over the centuries, which is supposed to bring good luck and ensure a person's return to Prague.
(image credit: julie3jax)
(image credit: bobbymond)
4. Everard 't Serclaes
Brussels, Belgium
It is said among locals that the statue of Everard 't Serclaes brings luck and grants the wishes of all who touch it. Serclaes' arm and the dog's nose are supposed to be especially lucky. Other parts are also stroked frequently, such as the face of an angel and one of the shields.
(image credit: TalkingTree)
(image credit: kool_skatkat)
5. Winged Figures of the Republic,
Hoover Dam, Nevada, United States
On the Nevada side of Hoover Dam is a 142-foot flagpole flanked by two 32-foot high statues, called the Winged Figures of the Republic. They express "the immutable calm of intellectual resolution, and the enormous power of trained physical strength, equally enthroned in placid triumph of scientific accomplishment."
Local folklore says that rubbing their feet will bring good luck.
(image credit: thisisbossi)
(image credit: gogoninja)
6. Lion Statues,
The Residenz, Munich, Germany
The Residenz is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs and serves today as one of the finest room decoration museums in Europe.
Stroke the noses of the lions outside the Odeanplatz entrance for luck as you pass, but just touch one ... or the luck is cancelled out!
(image credit: Robert in Toronto)
(image credit: caruba)
7. Wall Street Bull
New York City, United States
The Charging Bull, or Wall Street Bull as it is more commonly known, is one of the symbols of the financial district in Manhattan. The famous 7,000 pound bronze statue was created by Arturo Di Modica and installed near Wall Street to "bring bulls back to Wall Street" after the 1987 stock market crash.
The bull sculpture is said to bring luck to traders and stockbrokers (and tourists!) if they rub its testicles.
(image credit: babblingdweeb)
(image credit: zell0ss)
8. Schöne Brunnen Fountain
Nuremberg, Germany
Doubtless, the main attraction of the "Beautiful Fountain" is the shimmering golden ring, or Glücksbringer, set into one of the ornate railings which surround the fountain.
Turn the ring three times and your wishes will come true!
(image credit: bill barber)
(image credit: bill barber)
9. Moses Maimonides
Cordova, Spain
Moses Maimonides was a rabbi, physician, and philosopher during the Middle Ages. The statue of him was erected next to a synagogue in Córdoba.
Rubbing Moses Maimonides’ foot is supposed to bring good luck.
(image credit: captainmnb)
(image credit: Erin)
10. Laughing Buddha,
Feilai Feng, Linyin Temple, Hangzhou, China
On the way to and from the Lingyin Temple, visitors pass the grotto carvings on "Peak that Flew from Afar". The Laughing Buddha is one of the most famous of the statues carved into the rock.
According to legend, if one rubs the Buddha's great belly, it brings forth wealth, good luck, and prosperity.
(image credit: emdurso)
(image credit: gLo's VancouverBlueEyedGuero)
Previously on Lists Galore!
10 unusual monuments to rub, kiss or pat for good luck
10 of the most extraordinary places to take a bath
10 of the best places in the world to stargaze
