Charles Bridge, Prague

Charles Bridge (Czech: Karlův most) is a Gothic stone bridge in Prague, Czech Republic, spanning the Vltava River between the Old Town (Staré Město) and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Emperor Charles IV laid its foundation stone in 1357 – according to tradition on 9 July at 5:31, a date that forms the palindrome 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1 – and the bridge was completed in the early 15th century to a design by Peter Parler, the architect of St. Vitus Cathedral. Until 1841 it was the only bridge across the Vltava in Prague; it has been called Charles Bridge only since 1870, before that it was simply the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge.

The bridge is 516 meters long and rests on 16 arches; its western end also crosses the island of Kampa and the Čertovka channel. In the Middle Ages it formed part of the Royal Route, the coronation procession of the Bohemian kings from the Old Town to Prague Castle. Today it is pedestrian-only and one of the busiest sights in the city, with painters, musicians and souvenir sellers during the day; early morning is the best time to see it without crowds.

At the Old Town end stands the Old Town Bridge Tower, one of the finest Gothic towers in Central Europe; at the Lesser Town end, two towers of different ages are joined by a gateway. Both bridge towers can be climbed for a view over the river (ticket required). The bridge is lined with 30 statues and sculptural groups of saints, most of them Baroque works added around 1700; the oldest is the bronze statue of St. John of Nepomuk (1683), whose relief plaque visitors touch for good luck. All statues on the bridge are now replicas; the originals are kept in the Lapidarium of the National Museum and in the casemates at Vyšehrad.

Key points:

• Built: 1357 to the early 15th century, under Charles IV (architect Peter Parler).
• Connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town across the Vltava.
• Length: 516 m, 16 arches.
• 30 statues of saints (replicas; originals in the Lapidarium of the National Museum and at Vyšehrad).
• Towers: Old Town Bridge Tower and Lesser Town Bridge Towers, both open to climb (ticket).
• Visit: free, open at any time; part of the historic Royal Route.