Charles Bridge in Prague - a visiting card of the city

It is simply impossible to visit Prague and not walk across the Charles Bridge. This place is so closely connected with the history of the Czech Republic that it has become a kind of symbol of the capital. The length of the bridge is more than half a kilometer, and the width is 10 m. The bridge is supported by 16 reliable supports, which for all their strength seem graceful. The bridge connects Stare Mesto and Mala Strana.

History of Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the oldest structures. Initially, even before its construction, the Juditin Bridge was thrown across the Vltava. But it collapsed at the beginning of the 14th century, in the spring, unable to withstand the pressure of water and ice. It was decided to erect a new bridge several tens of meters downstream. Construction began in the second half of the 14th century, according to an order given by Emperor Charles IV. The date of the most favorable start of construction was determined by the astrologers, and the emperor himself laid the first stone in the foundation. Since then, it was on this bridge that future monarchs traveled to the coronation ceremony. Ordinary townspeople were charged a fee for crossing the bridge.

Two knightly orders "controlled" the bridge. One order was in charge of keeping the bridge clean and repairing it if necessary. The second took duties for the transport of goods along the Vltava. Lands near Charles Bridge were allocated to both orders, and active development took place on these plots. The bridge quickly became the center of life in the Czech capital. Fairs were held here, and knights fought in tournaments "for the king and beautiful ladies." During the revolutions that shook Europe in 1848, the bridge was blocked by barricades. And during the Second World War, Czechs brought fresh flowers here and laid them at the feet of sculptures depicting saints, asking them to rid their native land of invaders.

Since the end of the 19th century. a tram went across the bridge. Only in 1974 was the Charles Bridge completely given over to pedestrians. Since then, a kind of "Czech Arbat" has been located here. Artists sell their paintings and portraits here, and artisans sell souvenirs. In addition, numerous guests of Prague come to the bridge to look at the beautiful sculptures, touch the history that seems to come to life here, and make a wish. The Czechs assure that if the wish is good, it will certainly come true. There is a museum next to the bridge. If you visit it, you will learn the history of this famous building in more detail, see documents, drawings and photographs. Almost until the end of 19, the bridge was called Prague, but then, by the will of the Czech people, it was renamed Charles.

Sculptures on the Charles Bridge

Today there are 30 statues on the Charles Bridge. The first sculptures appeared here at the end of the 17th century, since then their number has only increased. True, some of the figures turned out to be so valuable in historical and artistic terms that they were replaced with copies. The originals are carefully kept in the National Museum. Russian tourists can recognize here John the Baptist, Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Mother of God, John the Theologian, Mary Magdalene and other saints who are honored by the Orthodox Church. Roads for believers Czechs martyr Jan of Nepomuk, Saints John of Bohemia and Wenceslas, as well as many others.

Guides with their wards pass almost constantly across the bridge, stories are heard in all languages, including Russian. Stay here a little longer - and you will learn the history of each sculpture. They will also tell you which statue is the original and which is the copy. Also an integral feature of the bridge are its three towers - Old Town, Malostranska and Juditina.

How to make a wish

Many tourists come to the Charles Bridge precisely to make a wish. In order for the conceived to come true, you need to approach the sculpture depicting Jan Nepomuk. First, touch the right side of it, and then move your hand to the left and touch the dog with the palm of your hand. Another option. The lattice of the bridge indicates the place from where the martyr Yang was thrown into the river. Press your fingers to the golden stars and wish something good from the bottom of your heart. Of course, one cannot think of something that, in principle, cannot come true. And the saint will certainly give good wishes a chance to be fulfilled.

How to get to the bridge

The easiest option is to call a taxi, or walk to the bridge if your hotel is nearby. You can also take the tram. Trams will take you to Charles Bridge: No. 1, 2, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 93, 97. If you decide to use the metro, you need to take one of the trains on line A and get off at the Staromestska or Malostranska station. Climbing up, you will find yourself on the west or east side of the bridge. Another tip, if you love photography and want to take beautiful photos of Charles Bridge, come here at dawn. At this time of the day, the bridge is especially beautiful, and you will not be disturbed by the numerous tourists who obscure its sculptures and put their hands on the "places where desires are fulfilled."

GuruTurizma recommends the following hotels near Charles Bridge:

Charles Bridge on Prague map