Charles Bridge, Prague

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On the left bank of the river we also stopped to have a look at one of Prague's best known landmarks, the Charles Bridge.

Second photo: While we were there, Franscesco explained something I had been wondering about, namely the strange wooden constructions in the river in front of the abutments that hold up the bridge. These are ice-guards, to prevent the bridge from being damaged by ice flows during the winter. He said that lately with global warming there hasn't been much ice on the river, but high water is still a problem, so the ice-guards are kept there to prevent the bridge from being damaged by any objects that might be swept downstream in a flood.

Third photo: Wooden ice-guards in front of the stone abutments of the Charles Bridge.

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On our bicycle tour we did not ride across Charles Bridge, for the simple reason that it is usually too full of people.

But at various times I took photos of Charles Bridge from other angles, like this first one from the right bank of the river, with the Smetana Museum on the right and Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral up on the hill on the left.

Second photo: Charles Bridge from the Old Royal Palace, in Prague Castle.

Third photo: Charles Bridge from the Smetana statue, with St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle up on the hill on the left.

Fourth photo: People on Charles Bridge. I took this photo on a chilly evening after pedestrian traffic had thinned out considerably.

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Before visiting Prague, I obsessed over maps repeating to myself, "I have to make sure to see the Charles Bridge--I definitely don't want to miss that!" I carefully traced routes from my hotel to the bridge; drawing the best paths in red marker. I'll admit that I was naive--because it's about as ridiculous as being afraid that you won't see the Eiffel Tower on a visit to Paris.
The bridge is something you will see over-and-over during a visit and something you will likely cross at least a half-dozen times. It connects Prague Castle and the Old Town to the rest of the city. All foot-traffic in the old part of the city seems to flow towards the bridge--follow the tourist hoard. If you ever get disoriented in this city's mazelike streets, just ask where the Vltava River is, find your way to its banks, and look in either direction over the water--Charles Bridge will be the one with a bunch of people walking over it.
Construction of the Charles Bridge began in 1357 under the order of King Charles IV (Wenceslaus) and took about 50 years to complete. It was the only means of crossing the river for years and served as a major trade route. In the early 1900s, the bridge was paved so trams and buses could use it. From 1965-1978, a major reconstruction of the bridge took place; the asphalt was removed and it was designated "pedestrians only".
The bridge has been partially reconstructed, repaired, and reinforced so many times over the past 650 years, one really has to wonder how much of the original is left within the structure.
30 statues line the sides of Charles Bridge. The originals, which were erected in the late 1600s, have long since been moved to a museum and replaced with replicas. The most famous statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk; it's said to grant wishes and bring good luck.
Local artists and musicians set up shop on the bridge every day to sell their wares to tourists. ...I'm sure at prices 300% more than what you'll find elsewhere in the city, but who can blame them?
When I finally first set foot on the Charles Bridge, on a cloudy morning in late-May, it feels as though the wind has suddenly been physically knocked out of me. I realize right away that this is one of those powerful moments that I'll remember forever--that the trip to Prague was worth every penny spent, that I am touching a valuable world landmark, that the bridge truly is breathtaking to look at, and the views from it are stunning. I realize that this is a place I'll go back to often daydreams. ...And I'm left speechless for minutes afterwards.

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So much was written about Charles Bridge - what can I add?

For those who don't know the facts: It is Prague's oldest bridge crossing the Vltava river (constructing started 1357, finished in the 15th century). It is 520 m long and 10 m wide with 16 arches. The bridge connects Old Town (right bank) and Lesser Town (left bank) and is pedestrian zone.

What makes the bridge a special sight are on one hand the 30 groups of statues, most of them from 1706-14, the youngest from 1938. Among those sculptures is the statue of Johann Nepomuk, the saint of the bridges. A small marble plate with a cross on the right side of the bridge (between 6th and 7th pillar) marks the place where priest Nepomuk was thrown into the river in 1393 (you know the story?).

On the other hand the bride is a place where street musicians play, souvenirs are sold and almost any time of the day and year crowds stroll. Honestly, Charles bridge offers great views of Prague and Hradcany castle, but I found the atmosphere a bit disappointing due to the crowds. I will admit the weather was not nice - cloudy - and the charm of the bridge comes out probably best at night.

Update: On a recent visit with a friend we walked across the bridge because my friend insisted. It was cold, windy, the restoration works were under way - not exactly pleasant. On my last visit in summer I avoided the bridge, only had a look at it from elsewhere. I was afraid the bridge might collapse due to the crowds :-)

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It is nigh on impossible to find fault with the Charles Bridge - other than with the hundreds of fellow tourists that you are likely to have to share it with!

The bridge dates back to the 15th century and was built over the Vltava to link the Castle at Hradcany to the Old Town. It was built in a Gothic style with a tower on the Old Town side, and has been modified over the centuries, most notably with the addition of 30 mostly Baroque statues which line each side. It is a little disappointing to discover that the statues are in fact replicas, as the originals have been progressively replaced since the 1960s and transported to the National Museum for safe keeping.

Perhaps the most famous event to take place on the bridge was the execution of St John Nepomuk, the patron saint of the Czech Republic, who was cast into the Vltava in 1393 on the orders of King Wenceslaus, King of the Romans and King of Bohemia. Wikipedia says that "he was the confessor of the queen of Bohemia and refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional. On the basis of this account, John of Nepomuk is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies and, because of the manner of his death, a protector from floods".

The bridge has come it for more than its fair share of battering over the years: in addition to damage incurred during armed conflict (most notably by the Swedes during the Thirty Years War), it has also been hammered by severe floods which have damaged the structure on several occasions.

The bridge was closed to vehicle traffic in the late 1970s and is now a pedestrian zone. During the day, the bridge is a hive of activity, with the retail needs of the crowds of tourists ably catered for by a host of artists, craftsmen and buskers plying their respective trades. Many of the goods are of excellent quality - I particularly like the black and white photography which further enhances Prague's fairytale qualities.

In order to avoid the crowds, try to visit in the early morning when there are fewer people around (and the light is great for photography) - it is also lovely in the evening when the twinkling lights shimmer on the water.

History

Charles Bridge, also known as Stone Bridge in the first years of its existence, was constructed by Peter Parler - he of the St. Vitus Cathedral fame - on orders of Emperor/King Charles IV and began in 1357. The purpose was to replace another bridge, built on the very spot a couple of centuries earlier, that has collapsed

Architecture

The bridge is a fine example of Baroque style, with 30 ornate statues lining both sides of the bridge. There is a tower at each side, which you can climb for the views and some of the best photo opportunities of the city and bridge itself.

Other than that, for all the brilliance of the place, taking photos is very difficult as the crowds are often enormous (I was 'helped out' by exceedingly bad weather with mine).

Legends

- A rather unusual ingredient - egg yolks - is said to have been used to strengthen the mortar that binds the stones of the bridge together (not surprising, given they were replacing a collapsed bridge!)
- Touching a plaque at the statue of St. John of Nepomuk is supposed to bring good luck (you won't miss it - look out for the best polished one :) )

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This bridge is Prague's most familiar monument. On it are various statues and religious motifs, worn with age.

Craft stalls and vendors of all kinds make it a lively meeting place, great for people-watching!

Excellent views of the river, the city and the castle.

I liked to walk it early in the morning. The air was crisp and clear and the bridge was not yet crammed with people.

The 13th century Charles Bridge is usually thoroughly packed with tourists. A romantic evening walk beneath the impressive lit up views of Prague by night ...The bridge has the best night view of the Prague Castle and it is one of the most popular sights...Is surely one of the "must see" place in Prague. It's impossible to miss it...