Introduction & Historical Background
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is one of Prague’s most beloved landmarks – and a symbol of the city’s medieval grandeur. Construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV and was completed in the early 15th century. For centuries, it served as the only crossing between the Old Town and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana), shaping Prague’s development.
Originally known as the “Stone Bridge”, it replaced the Judith Bridge, which was destroyed by a flood. Today, Charles Bridge is not just a way to get across the river – it’s a living open-air gallery, a place of myths, and one of the best photo spots in the city.
What to See on the Bridge
The bridge is adorned with 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque, added in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some are replicas – the originals are now preserved in the National Museum.
Highlights include:
- Statue of St. John of Nepomuk – Touch the bronze plaque for good luck.
- Statue of St. Lutgardis – Considered one of the finest baroque sculptures in Central Europe.
- Bridge Towers – Climb the Old Town Bridge Tower for a panoramic view.
See Also: Top Sights & Activities
Prague Castle
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Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square is the historical and emotional heart of the city. What to not miss?
Television Tower
If you’re looking to see Prague from a whole new perspective, the Žižkov Television Tower is your next must-visit.
Letná Park
Perched on a plateau above the Vltava River, Letná Park (Letenské sady) is where Prague locals go to unwind.
Legends and Stories
Charles Bridge is full of stories, but the most famous is that of St. John of Nepomuk, who was thrown into the river from the bridge in 1393 for refusing to reveal the queen’s confession. The spot is marked by a small cross between the statues – a hidden secret for those in the know.
There’s also a legend that eggs were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction. Supposedly, entire villages donated eggs – including some already boiled by accident!
Tips for Photography & Best Times to Visit
To capture Charles Bridge in its most magical light:
- Arrive at sunrise for soft light and fewer crowds.
- Evening twilight is ideal for dramatic skies and city lights.
- Winter and early spring offer atmospheric fog and fewer tourists.
Avoid midday crowds, especially during summer months. Early mornings are not only photogenic but peaceful.
Nearby Attractions & Walking Routes
Charles Bridge connects two of Prague’s most beautiful districts:
On the Old Town side:
- Old Town Square (5 min walk)
- Klementinum and its baroque library
On the Lesser Town side:
- Kampa Island and the Lennon Wall
- Church of St. Nicholas
- Path up to Prague Castle
A great walking route: start in the Old Town, cross the bridge at sunrise, stroll through Malá Strana, and continue uphill to Prague Castle.
Practical Information
- Access: Open 24/7, pedestrian-only
- Entrance: Free
- Public transport: Metro A – Staroměstská station, or tram 17 to Karlovy lázně stop
- Facilities nearby: Cafés, toilets (at Kampa Park and Malostranské náměstí), souvenir stalls
The Fascinating History of Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is not just a Prague icon – it’s one of Europe’s most remarkable medieval engineering achievements. Built from Bohemian sandstone and spanning over 500 meters, the bridge has connected Prague’s Old Town with Lesser Town (Malá Strana) since the 14th century.
From Judith to Charles
Charles Bridge was constructed after the Judith Bridge, an older Romanesque structure from 1172, was destroyed by a flood in 1342. The new bridge was commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, a deeply symbolic date chosen by numerology (1357 9/7 5:31), believed to bring strength and harmony to the construction. Although popular legend attributes this to Charles IV’s astrological beliefs, no contemporary source confirms this romanticized story.
Designed under the direction of Peter Parler, the royal architect also behind St. Vitus Cathedral, the bridge was built higher, with fewer and wider arches, and more solid foundations than its predecessor. Builders used innovative methods for the time, including oak raft bases and millstone-shaped stones bound with iron clamps.
A Strategic and Ceremonial Crossing
Completed around 1402, the bridge served for centuries as the only permanent crossing of the Vltava River, making it a vital part of the King’s Coronation Route and a major artery for trade routes across Europe. For hundreds of years, it was also a bustling market space, with shops and food stalls built directly onto its deck.
Sculptures, Towers, and Legends
By the end of the 17th century, the bridge took on its distinctive appearance when 30 statues and sculptural groups were added, mostly in dramatic High Baroque style. The most famous among them is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, said to mark the spot where the Czech martyr was thrown into the river in 1393. Artists like Matthias Braun and Ferdinand Maxmilian Brokoff contributed some of the finest works.
The bridge is flanked by three medieval towers: one on the Old Town side and two on the Lesser Town side. The Old Town Bridge Tower is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Floods, Battles, and Restorations
Over its 600+ years of history, Charles Bridge has been repeatedly tested by natural disasters and wars:
- In 1432, massive floods destroyed five piers.
- After the Battle of White Mountain in 1621, the heads of 27 executed Czech leaders were displayed on the Old Town Tower as a grim warning.
- In 1648, the Swedes tried to invade the Old Town via the bridge, causing significant damage during the Thirty Years’ War.
- The catastrophic 1890 flood washed away two arches and three pillars, along with two statues. Repairs took two years, and the bridge reopened in 1892.
Charles Bridge carried trams, buses, and cars up until the mid-20th century. In 1965, the bridge was permanently closed to vehicular traffic and underwent a major restoration lasting until 1978. However, further repairs in the 2000s sparked international controversy, as conservationists criticized the methods used and the replacement of historic stone blocks.
Today’s Bridge
Today, Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only monument and one of the most visited sites in Prague. Its original statues are preserved in museums, and replicas now line the bridge’s balustrades. It remains a stage for street artists and musicians, a place of legends and views – and a living testimony to Prague’s layered history.
