Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic rates among the most beautiful historic bridges in Europe. Together with the Prague Castle it creates a world-famous panorama which is yearly visited by millions of tourists from all over the world.

>> More photos

The history of the Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge over the Vltava river was built under the direction of a prominent Czech King Charles IV. in the period of 1357-1402. Charles IV. assigned the construction of the building too the constructor Peter Parler. He came from Gmund and at the time of the construction was 27 years old. Thanks to the Charles Bridge Prague has become a major crossroad of for European trade routes.
Originally the Gothic bridge was without decorations. From 1707 to 1714 it was fitted with gallery of 30 fascinating Baroque statues. On the rails and pillars of the building stand statues and sculptures of saints created by significant Baroque artists such as MB Braun, the father Brokoff and his sons and others. From the artistic point of view for the most valuable object is considered the statue of St. Luitgarda, created by the Baroque sculptor Matyas Braun.
Wars and uprisings over the years did not damage the bridge too much. Only under the siege of the Swedish army in the 17th century some statues were broken and the Old Town Bridge Tower suffered some damage.
The Charles bridge was quite naturally site of fighting also in the revolutionary year of 1848 because it was until the 19th century the only link between the two sides of the Vltava river.
In the course of centuries the bridge experienced series of floods, for example, in the years 1432, 1655, 1784, 1845, 1872 and 1890. Record high flood affected Prague in 2002 but the Charles Bridge endured without visible signs of damage.

Facts on the Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is 514 meters long, 9.5 meters wide and has 16 Gothic arches. The both Aires of the bridge are protected by defensive bridge towers – gothic Old Town tower and the Malá Strana tower with a beautiful view over the Old Town. Both towers is open to the public. The bridge offers great views with steamboats, the Prague Castle, National Theatre, Kampa Island and Old Town. The evenings when twilight descends over Prague are magical. The visit of the Charles bridge is sure to be an enchanting experience for every visitor.