The Charles Bridge, Prague—9+ Irresistible Facts

The Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic, connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town over the Vltava River. In this article, we will explore Charles Bridge Prague.

Overall, it is well renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and was commissioned by King Charles IV in the 14th century.

For the most part, it stretches about 515 meters in length and is adorned with 30 impressive baroque-style statues that add grandeur.

Historical Importance of Charles Bridge in Prague

The bridge was essential to the city’s history, serving as a significant trade route between Eastern Europe and Western Europe.

Even today, it is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare equipped with artists, musicians, and vendors.

Therefore, it offers picturesque views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the city’s charming skyline.

Its rich history and picturesque beauty continue to make it one of Prague’s most iconic and beloved landmarks, drawing tourists and locals alike.

1.  Charles Bridge, Prague

Charles Bridge is a revered architectural classic that stands as a symbolic link between Prague’s rich history and its vibrant gift.

Steeped in medieval charm, this iconic bridge joins the bustling Old Town with the quaint Lesser Town that spans the tranquil waters of the Vltava River.

Therefore, its intricate Gothic architectural design and breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s enchanting skyline.

The bridge encapsulates the spirit of Prague, drawing in visitors and locals alike to bask in its timeless attraction and storied past.

As a result, living testimony to the city’s cultural and historical importance, the Charles Bridge remains an enduring emblem of Prague’s legacy.

2. Why and How was the Charles Bridge Built?

A flood in 1342 heavily damaged the “Judith Bridge,” named after Queen Judith (wife of King Vladislav II), founded in the 12th century.

The destruction of the Judith Bridge led to its replacement by the Charles Bridge, which was built under the reign of King Charles IV.

It took around 45 years to build the Charles Bridge, which was completed in 1402.

The bridge represents a typical arch bridge with 16 arches protected by ice guards.

The material used for the bridge is sandstone blocks (Bohemian Sandstone), which is why it was earlier called the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge.

It has been referred to as the Charles Bridge since 1870.

There are innumerable exciting facts, history, and even legends about the Charles Bridge Prague, some of which are discussed here.

3.  9+ Facts about the Charles Bridge

There are various facts about Charles Bridge. Here are some of them:

1. The Charles Bridge in Prague is regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe.
2. It is called Karlův in the Czech Language.
3. The bridge measures 517 meters in length and approximately 10 meters in width.
4. It is a medieval stone arch bridge comprising 16 Arches with 15 pillars supporting it.
5. The Stone Bridge inspired the design of Charles Bridge in Regensburg, Germany.
6. This bridge shows both Baroque and Gothic-style architecture.
7. This bridge established Prague as an essential trade route linking Eastern and Western Europe.
8. It is the oldest bridge in Prague, which is still standing over the Vltava River and is also the second oldest bridge in the Whole Czech Republic after the Písek Stone Bridge, standing over the Otava River, which is a tributary of the river Vltava.
9. The Charles Bridge was designed by famous German architect Peter Parler– A very important figure in late medieval architecture.
10. Along with this bridge, his Mastercraft includes the St. Vitus Cathedral inside Prague Castle.

4. Bridge towers

The Charles Bridge is supported by three bridge towers- One on the city’s Old Town side is called the Old Town Bridge Tower, and the other two belong to the Lesser Quarter, known as the Lesser Town Bridge Towers.

The iconic Old Town Bridge Tower, with Gothic architecture, is an art center. You can observe different statues, such as that of St. Vitus, Charles IV, and Václav IV. Various symbols, such as the sun, moon, lions, griffin, eagles, and many others, are shown on different fronts of the tower.

The tower is approximately 47 meters high. Climb 138 stairs to reach its top floor, where you will see the amusing spectacle of Prague Castle and Malá Strana by paying a minor fee.

The Lesser Town Bridge Towers comprise two different towers. The Smaller Bridge Tower is also called the Judith’s Tower, as it was earlier a part of Judith’s Bridge.

It shows Romanesque architecture, which was built around the 12th Century.

Meanwhile, The Taller Bridge Tower is Gothic and was built during the late 15th century. Both the towers are accessible to the top and give you a magnificent view of the Prague castle district.

All three towers were designed to embed that exceptional aura of Prague in spectators’ minds.

5. Prominent Baroque Architectures

Last but not least, this bridge’s fascination and gothic chills come from the two rows of aesthetic Statues.

They were designed under Baroque style architecture, with one row paving the north side of the bridge and the other to its south side.

For the most part, they were positioned between 1683 & 1714.

Each row holds 15 statues (30 in total), and every statue narrates some significant history. Here are the names of some of the statues:

• Statue of St. John of Nepomuk
• Statuary of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary
• Statue of St. Joseph
• Statuary of St. Vitus
• Statue of St. Cyril and St. Methodius
• Statue of St. Francis Xavier
• Statue of the Lamenting of Christ
• The statue- Dream of St. Lutgardis, was sculpted by Matyáš Bernard Braun– An eminent Czech Baroque sculptor.
• Statues of Madonna and St. Bernard.
• Statue of St. John the Baptist

Do you know that the Statue of St. Cyril and St. Methodius replaces the earlier statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola?

Except for the St. John of Nepomuk statue, all other statues are carved from sandstone.

Most of the original statues are replaced by their replicas and moved to different Prague museums to preserve them from future damage, as some damages have happened earlier.

6. Beautiful Bridge & Its Beautiful Surroundings

Yes, it is correct to say that Prague is a magical world.

This statement is complemented by the fact that Charles Bridge surrounds itself with elegant historic surroundings.

6.1. East Side

On the eastern side of Charles Bridge, you will find the Old Town Square with its medieval Astronomical clock and the famous Church of Our Lady Before Týn represented in Gothic style.

The Wenceslas Square, also on its eastern side, will amaze you with its vibrant night view, showing you the commercial side of Prague with beautiful cafes, clubs, restaurants, and other amusements.

Its most famous attraction is the National Museum, which hosts cultural and historical exhibitions.

6.2. West Side

The Western side also charms you no less than its eastern side. The Malá Strana, also known as the lesser town or the Little Quarter, will enchant you with its mystical air, its beautiful streets, and the peaceful harmonic waves of the Vltava River.

The Kampa Island near Malá Strana is separated from it by an artificial stream called Čertovka(or Devil’s Canal).

It becomes a perfect place to sit back and relax, listen to music played by several artists, and visit Museum Kampa, a modern art gallery founded in 2003 that showcases European art (primarily Czech artworks).

You can hop quickly from Charles Bridge to Kampa Island using the Historical Kampa staircase, which was replaced by the original one in 1844.

The great Prague Castle, which needs no introduction, is also described as the seat of power for different emperors who ruled Czechoslovakia occasionally.

Last but not least, the Castle’s first construction began in the 9th Century by raising its first building, known as the Church of The Virgin Mary, followed by The Basilica of St. George and the Basilica of St. Vitus, commonly known as the St. Vitus Cathedral.

Above all, viewing the Prague Castle is like living in a dream.

The serenity offered by its churches, gardens, and courtyards makes you think you are in a different world.

Currently, it serves as the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.

• More than 6.5 million tourists visit Prague and the Charles Bridge every year.
• The Historic Centre of Prague, which includes Charles Bridge, was declared one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1992.
• On 9th July 2017, even Google celebrated the 660th Anniversary of the Charles Bridge by highlighting it on Google Doodle.

7. Drawback of Floods and Wars

Because of the floods and wars, the Charles Bridge has suffered much damage. Here are some discussed:

Floods

• Overall, the bridge has endured several flood damages, such as the 1432 floods, which damaged its three pillars, and the breaking of the third arch in 1496 due to water erosion.
• A flood in 1784 badly damaged five pillars of the bridge, restricting it for people for a considerable period.
• The devastating flood in 1890 destroyed two pillars, causing the breakdown of three arches and the falling of two statues by Ferdinand Brokoff, namely the statue of St. Xavier and the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
• The Charles Bridge was piled up with numerous logs, rafts, and wood from upstream and households floating on the Vltava River, and the list goes on.
• The recent 2002 floods, however, caused minor damage only.

War History

Above all, the Charles Bridge has witnessed several battles and war incidents from time to time, such as,

• In 1621, The Old Town Bridge Tower served as a dreadful display of the severed heads of the 12 Leaders of the Anti-Habsburg revolt resulting from the Battle of White Mountain.
• Overall, the bridge had witnessed violent fighting exactly on its deck in the ending years of the highly atrocious “Thirty Years War,” when the Swedes, who had captured the West Bank of the river Vltava, were trying to seize the old town and severely damaged the old town bridge tower.
• On the whole, Charles Bridge has also witnessed Austro-Hungarian Empire, independence, Nazi control, communism, and eventually capitalism.
• When Prague was under the grasp of both German and Russian armies during World War II, no significant damage was caused to Charles Bridge.
• However, a barricade was installed at the Old Town Bridge tower gateway.

8. Transportation and Renovations

• Before 1841, it was the only bridge acting as a transportation medium to connect the Prague Castle to the Old Town.
• Here, a new mode of public transport emerged, like omnibuses and later horse trams over the Charles Bridge, promoting transportation and trade.
• 1905 Electric trams replaced horses, and buses started running around 1908.
• By 1965, a good, decisive plan of making the bridge accessible to pedestrians only was executed, and all the trams, buses, and other vehicles entry were excluded.
• Following the first oil streetlamps, they were added to the bridge in 1723, and by 1866, they were replaced by gas lamps and, later on, by electric lights.
• In this case, the Charles Bridge is going through a series of inspections and restorations that started in 2019. It is a 20-year process with an estimated budget of 1.9 to 2.6 million USD.

9. Legends and Myths

Legends and Myths along the Charles Bridge come alive as one traverses the historic cobblestones.

Due to this, ghostly tales and mystical folklore enchant visitors, revealing Prague’s enigmatic past through captivating narratives.

In this case, local storytellers recount the eerie legend of the ‘Water Goblin,’ while the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk whispers of secrets safeguarded by the Vltava’s waters.

Overall, the bridge resonates with echoes of centuries-old myths, offering a glimpse into the city’s spiritual beliefs and cultural tapestry.

Imbued with intrigue, the Charles Bridge beckons travelers to uncover the mysterious and enchanting tales that have shaped Prague’s cultural identity.

In most cases, people claim to see a Cross on the bridge when they are in distress or trouble and consider it a bad sign, according to an urban legend.

Here, offenders sentenced to death were allowed to kneel before a Cross to pray, which was taken off from the bridge long ago.

10. Experience Magic on Charles Bridge

Ever dreamed of a magical sphere where you want to go, leaving behind all the hassle, work, and noise of this incessant factory we call the “real world,” a place similar to those we had seen on televisions during our childhood such as Castles, Kings, and Queens.

Yes! We all have done that, and a place like that exists for real called “Prague.”

For this reason, it is impossible to even think of Prague without considering the Charles Bridge, a bridge where the ambiance of its predecessors is still felt today.

Not only is it a bridge with significant history, but it is also an emotion for the native people of Prague.

If you are searching for the best time to visit Prague and Charles Bridge, it does not matter which month of the year or when you visit this beautiful city. I am sure you will get a vibrant feeling each time.

You can wake up early when the lamps of the bridge are still lit and wait calmly until the sun rises and sparks the footwalk’s golden yellow bricks. Or you can go there at night and watch the fireworks with your love or family.

What makes it even more suitable is that it is free to visit Charles Bridge.

Along with visitors, you will find several artists on the bridge, such as painters from whom you can get a painting or self-portrait, photographers trying to capture the crowd, or photographers looking for a still of the bridge in the early morning or night.

Key Takeaways

This medieval bridge reflects the history, culture, and emotions of different eras. It has witnessed several major historical events, such as the Thirty Years’ War.

The 1848 Revolution and World War II have endured several damages from Wars and natural calamities such as floods for centuries.

Even after withstanding all of these, the Charles Bridge still stands today.

It still holds its pride like its kings and presents the people with age-old Gothic and Baroque architecture with amusement and mysteries.

Thus, Charles Bridge was made for this purpose and will continue to serve it.