Landmarks That Bring Good Luck, Love, Travel & More

Landmarks That Bring Good Luck, Love, Travel & More

There are a variety of travel superstitions ranging from the commonplace, to the more bizarre beliefs and practices while traveling to famous world landmarks.  Here are some common travel superstitions associated with famous landmarks around the world.

Kissing the Blarney Stone
One of the most well-known travel superstitions is the belief that kissing the Blarney Stone will give you the “gift of gab,” also known as the ability to be well-spoken and eloquent.  Located near Cork, Ireland, Blarney Castle is a medieval castle that has a block of bluestone in its battlements. According to legend that has developed over the centuries, anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will be blessed with the gift of gab.  The Blarney Stone travel superstition attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually seeking to receive the gift of gab. Read more at To Kiss or Not to Kiss the Blarney Stone.

Rubbing the Nose of Lincoln’s Tomb
President Abraham Lincoln’s tomb in the Springfield, Illinois Oak Ridge Cemetery is adorned with a massive bronze statue of the former president’s head.  In many places, rubbing the nose of any statue is thought to bring good luck, and Lincoln’s nose is impressively within reach for visitors which makes it a popular destination for superstitious travelers.  If you are looking for some good luck, give a good rub to Honest Abe’s nose at Lincoln’s Tomb.

Sticking Your Thumb in the Hole of the Weeping Column
The famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey is home to another popular world travel superstition.  There is a column located inside the Hagia Sophia that is known to gather moisture and feel damp to the touch on occasion.  Legend dating back as far as the 13th century A.D. says that any visitor who sticks their thumb inside the column and whose thumb comes out wet will have their illness cured by the healing powers of the “Weeping Column.”

Throwing a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Many people are familiar with throwing a coin into a fountain to make a wish.  However, the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome holds a very specific travel superstition.  It is believed that if you turn away from the fountain and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, that you will return to visit Rome one day. We share more details on the blog Throwing Coins into the Trevi Fountain.

Rub the Snout of Il Porcellino in Florence
The bronze pig  of Florence is said to bring good luck to anyone who rubs his snout & places a coin in his mouth.  If the water washes the coin from the pig’s mouth and it falls into the grate below, you will have good luck and return to Florence. If it doesn’t, just try again. The coins are used to support a local orphanage. You can find Il Porcellino in Mercato Nuovo (New Market.)

Interestingly enough, you can find a replica of Il Porcellino in Sydney, Australia.  It too is said to bring good lucky to those that rub it’s snout.  Browse Italy tour packages 2019.

Rubbing the Laughing Buddha’s Stomach
This travel superstition can be done in most places where you find a large statue of the famous “laughing” Buddha image.  It is widely believed that rubbing the big belly of a laughing Buddha statue will bring you good fortune.

Touching the Breast of Juliet’s Statue
In fair Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Romeo and Juliet, there lives yet another world travel superstition.  Although the play was fictional, there is a house on Via Capello known as Casa di Giulietta that is believed to have belonged to Juliet’s family, the Capulets.  At the site, there is a bronze statue of Juliet that, according to legend, those who rub her right breast will find their true love.  The house has become a major tourist attraction, especially for those hoping to find love.

Stroke the Beard of the Gentleman From Paris in Havana
Outside of the San Fransisco Church, you can find a bronze statue of the Gentleman from Paris.    It is said if you step on his foot & touch his index finger it will bring prosperity. Rub his beard and it will ensure a return to Havana.  So many people have done these over the years that you can see the statue is worn

Rub the Owl in Dijon
There is an owl carved into the wall of the oldest church in Dijon, France.  He is known as the Owl of Notre Dame de Dijon. Touch him with your left hand while making a wish, and it is said that your wish will come true.  The owl has been a symbol of wisdom back to the Greek goddess Athena, who was represented as one in her animal form.

Rub the Pants of Victor Noir’s Grave in Paris
Women from around the world visit this monument in Pere Lachaise, Paris France, as it is said if you rub the trousers of Victor Noir that you will have increased fertility.

Rub Incense from the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
From arthritis to a soar throat, it is said that rubbing incense from this temple will cure any ailments.

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