Charles Bridge, Prague

St Charles Bridge is enjoyable any time of day, however exploring it at night gives it a completely different feel. There are far fewer people around, and seeing the lights of the city reflected in the Vltava river is absolutely beautiful. Explore both ends of the bridge and the wonderful city around it. Due to the fact that there are far fewer people, it would be wise not to do this alone.

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Charles Bridge connects the old town and the little quarter in Prague. It crosses the river Vlatva and has a tower at each end. The bridge is lined with many statues. Many of these statues are copies with the original ones being kept at the national museum.
The bridge was commissioned by Charles IV in 1357 to replace the Judith Bridge. Until 1741, it was the only crossing of the river. It is 1,706 foot long and is made from sandstone blocks.

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This is one of the "biggies" to do for all tourists, but it is for good reason. The bridge, neglected during Communist times, has now been restored to its original splendor. An absolute treat for anyone with even a passing interest in architecture, you will achieve an understanding why it takes so long to cross. Everyone in front of you is gawking at the intricate carvings. As will you when you get there.

Note that renovation is going on, and will continue through at least 2010. Not to worry: the majority of the bridge will be left visible at all times to accommodate tourists like you. Also beware of con artists and pickpockets who swarm the bridge in numbers almost as great as the tourists. Your best bet to avoid the crowds will be to come here early morning or late afternoon. Not to mention you might get the added bonus of sunrise/sunset over the bridge (we didn't, since it was cloudy).

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I don’t know how old it is but it is definitely old. With its statues and sculptures it looks very royal. There are painters all over the bridge who are ready to paint you or to make you a caricature for few minutes. You can see boats and ships sailing in Vltava river. Both of the coast offer wonderful views and buildings.

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Charles Bridge or locally known as Karluv Most, is a 14th century Bridge linking the 2 sides of Prague. This gorgeous bridge is one of Prague's most popular attractions vir thousands of visitors daily the Charles Bridge is also a main pedestrian route connecting the Old Town with Mala Strana and Prague Castle.

There are about 75 statues on the Bridge, but most are copies, as unfortunate event such as floods damaged the originals.
Some of the statues have queues of people that give it a rub wishing for good lunch... so you can see the change in colour, rather interesting... I also gave it a touch, but I am unfortunately still waiting for my new Bentley Convertible to arrive... LOL.

Unfortunately the bridge was being repaired during my visit so pics are not excellent. Apologies for this.

It’s a "must" (thing to do) now whenever one walks along the Charles Bridge in Prague:

To make a wish at the St. John of Nepomuk Statue, the statue with the that gold metal plate whose carvings have been made shiny by the millions of tourists who have touched it.
But you have to touch it with your left hand!!! Then you make a wish (it supposedly gives you good luck and assures a return to the city of Prague). I heard about the LEFT HAND from Samantha Brown.

But there is a lesser more unknown place to make a wish near the statue --- it is a Five-star cross (also metal) a few feet away from the statue and not so many tourists go there.

You place your five fingers (left hand) on the five stars and then send a wish to someone – or just send it to yourself – as you look into the river. I heard that this spot where the five star is is exactly where St Jon was actually thrown off and died. Morbid...

John of Nepomuk was a priest in Prague under a suspicious King Wenceslas IV (son of Charles IV). He received the confessions of the Queen and the King wanted to know the Queen’s confessions which Nepomuk would not reveal. Priest Nepomuk was therefore executed by being thrown into the Vltava River from the bridge with “weights” (I read somewhere that something heavy was tied to him) which caused his drowning.

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Like the Astronomical Clock in the old town, St. Charles Bridge is one of those things that all visitors to Prague will have to check off their list at some point. We crossed it on our way up to Prague Castle, the bridge is lined with statue of saints, tourists and locals trying to part the tourists from their money.

Along the bridge you can see the following:

Picture 1-the statue of St. John of Nepomuk which you have to rub for good luck, Ed tells me that its bad luck to rub the dog but good luck to rub the saint being thrown in the river, that seems like bad luck to me!

Picture 2-at the end of the bridge closest to the castle was one of my favorite statues, the statues of St. John of Matha, St. Felix of Valois, and St. Ivan which has three Christians imprisoned by the Turks at the base

Picture 3-the spot where St. John was tossed into the Vlatava River which is marked by 5 stars on the bridge railing

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Connecting the old town the Mala Strana and the castle district is one of Prague's star attractions: Karluv Most (Charles Bridge). It is considered one of the most impressive Gothic constructions in the world, and tourist crammed half a kilometer length is flanked by 30 outstanding Baroque statues. It's also a cultural icon of some note, appearing in films, computer games and music videos, including the original Mission Impossible movie.

The bridge offers great views of the old city and castle district, but the best views have Charles Bridge in as well. For these you'll want to take a trip across Manesuv Bridge to the north, and walk down Smetanovo street to the south.