Since the Middle Ages, Prague has captivated visitors with a unique charm not found in any other city in Europe. Prague has so fascinated me that I have already been there four times. Every time, I am discovering something new about this energetic city.
While Prague has seventeen bridges within its city limits, the elegant Charles Bridge, without a doubt, is one of the leading architectural attractions. The bridge very well preserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and iconic stone bridges of Europe. The bridge’s sixteen arches cross the Vltava River, the Czech Republic’s longest river.
History of the Charles Bridge
The bridge was commissioned by Charles IV in 1357 to be a substitute for the old Judith Bridge which collapsed in 1342 because of a violent flood. The construction began on July 9, 1357 at 5:31 a.m. Charles IV was a firm believer in numerology, using the precise timing of the start of the construction as a pattern of 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1 to lend additional strength to his reign. The bridge was completed in 1402.
Through the years the bridge has suffered from many floods and battles as well as traffic of horses, electric trams, and cars. After its restoration in 1978, all vehicle traffic has been prohibited from the bridge.
Charles Bridge Statues
In later years, statues of saints that were venerated at that time were added to enhance its beauty. There are fifteen statues on each side of the bridge. Most of the statues that line Charles Bridge today are replicas. The Vltava River history of flooding has made the bridge a dangerous place for this work of art. Also, sandstone does not preserve well in the open air. You can still find some of these statues at the National Museum in Holešovice. Today, people from all over the world touch specific sculptures with the hope of obtaining good luck.
Charles Bridge Towers
At both ends of the bridge, you will find a tower. Both towers are imposing and a great place to view the bridge and surroundings. The Old Town Bridge Tower has a Gothic architecture and is located on the Old Town side of the bridge. The Lesser Town Bridge Tower is located on the opposite side of the Bridge, and from its top you can see the river and the city. The towers are open to the public for a small fee.
Crossing the Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is 1,700 feet long (520 meters) which can easily take visitors a couple of minutes to pass very early in the morning. I am not an early morning person, but I enjoyed the view at sunrise. Throughout the day, the bridge is packed with tourists strolling, while pausing to check out souvenirs, jewelry, and other goods, or listening to musicians. They may also just be enjoying the bridge’s beauty and splendid view of the castle in the distance, which, like the bridge, was designed by the architect Petr Parléř.
