History
Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge connecting the Old Town and Malá Strana. Originally it was called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) during the first several centuries after it was built. Its construction began in 1357 and was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. A man named Petr Parléř was charge of the construction and he was architect whose other works included the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle. It is rumored that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction of the bridge.
See Winning Hotel bids in Top Cities from $28 per night!
The Charles Bridge is one of the many monuments that was built during Charles IV’s reign, but it is not the first bridge to ever connected the Prague banks of the Vltava. The Judith Bridge, which was the first stone bridge over the Vltava river, was built in 1172 but unfortunately collapsed in a flood in 1342. Perhaps egg yolks weren’t mixed in that bridge’s mortar?
Unlike the Judith Bridge, the Charles Bridge has survived many floods. The most recent flood being in August 2002 when the country experienced the worst flood in the past 500 years.
Charles Bridge
At the end of each bridge there is a tower standing where you can pay a fee to climb up and look at the breath-taking view. Both the Staroměstská věž on the Old Town end of the bridge and the Malostranská věž on the Malá Strana end can be climbed for a view of Prague and the bridge from above.
Walk along the bridge and you’ll notice a total of 30 Baroque statues on both sides of the bridge. The construction of these statues began to be placed on either side of Charles Bridge in the 17th century. In the present day, many of the statues are just replicas, but the originals can be seen in the Lapidarium museum. The most popular statue is on the bridge the one of St. John of Nepomuk. St. John was Czech martyr to the cause of defending the Seal of the Confessional.He was executed during the reign of Wenceslas IV by being thrown into the Vltava river from the bridge. Because the nature of his death, he is considered a protector from floods. Many people believe that touching the statue of St. John is supposed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague. Because of this, the plaque on the statue has to be re-polished from the wear of people touching it over the centuries.
Save up to $325 on your Vacation Package at priceline!
The Charles Bridge is a definite must-see list. It is one of the main tourist attractions and here you will also see Czech artists, musicians and souvenir vendors on both sides of the bridge. Come during the sunset and you won’t be disappointed from the breathtaking view — the rays of the sun peaking over the horizon to light the nearby Prague Castle against the evening sky.
You won’t see any cars or trams on this bridge as it is now a pedestrian only zone. In the past both tram and car traffic were allowed. See the bridge at anytime during the day, and it is almost constantly filled with people. To enjoy the bridge all to yourself, go there at night or very early in the morning.
reviewazon
