World’s Top Superstitious Hot Spots

Superstition is something that has been a part of society for as long as we can remember, and it has influenced our history to a huge degree. These superstitions have left their traces all over Europe, partly in form of “wishing” tiles, bells and statues. And even though today in our modern society we pretend not to believe in these kind of things, whenever we pass a place and object that is supposed to bring us good luck, we can’t just ignore it but have to touch it – just in case such a thing as a lucky charm or other symbol actually exists.

We are no different. We like to believe that these little attractions around Europe actually bring good luck, and visiting them to make a wish or touch them for good luck is a fun thing to do when I travel.

Here are a few places in Europe where you can try your luck…

WISHING BELL – Bled, Slovenia

In a small country in a small town on a small lake is a small castle with a wishing bell promising big things. Nobody knows how it ended up there, but legend has it that those who ring the bell three times to honor the blessed virgin and make a wish will see it come true.

ST. JOHN OF NEPOMUK – Prague, Czech Republic

St. John of Nepomuk was a priest to whom the Queen of Bohemia (during the 14th century) confessed her sins. When the king wanted to know what the queen had confessed to John Nepomuk he refused, and was therefor thrown off Charles Bridge and drowned in the river. He is considered to be the first martyr, and because of his death he is now seen in Prague as the protector of floods. Today there is a statue of St. John Nepomuk on the bridge, and people touch the statue for good luck on their travels and for a safe return.

STEBUKLAS – Vilnius, Lithuania

The Stebuklas, also known as the “miracle tile” is a small tile which can easily be missed if you are not looking for it. There is not much differing the other tiles on Cathedral square from the Stebuklas (which means miracle in Lithuanian) lookwise, but the Stebuklas is something very special. The tile marks the end of the human chain (with 2 million people) linking the Baltic states through their capitals Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, formed in 1989 as a protest against Soviet occupation. Today it’s a symbol of hope, encouraging people to believe in miracles. If you step on the tile, close your eyes, make a wish and turn clockwise three times – your dream will eventually come true.

TREVI FOUNTAIN – Rome, Italy

The beautiful Trevi fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world and recognizable by everyone in commercials, pictures and hollywood movies – this fountain is one of the most romantic in Rome. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the fountain, you are ensured a return to Rome, some also say that two coins will lead to romance, and three either leads to marriage or… divorce! Apparently, over 3,000 Euro in coins are thrown into the fountain every day!

Folks, I’ve tried my luck in all of these places; rung the wishing bell, touched St. John Of Nepomuk statue, spun in circles on the Stebuklas and thrown a coin over my back in the Trevi fountain. Have most of my dreams come true? Yes.

Did these places have anything to do with it? I really don’t know, but it doesn’t hurt to give it a go next time you pass one … you just never know.