Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s true gems. Spanning over 500 meters, this bridge from 1357 connects the districts of Malá Strana and Staré Město. From the beating heart of the city, the Old Town Square, you’ll naturally be drawn towards it. Along with Prague Castle, it’s one of the most visited attractions in Prague.
And rightfully so, as the Charles Bridge is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. The bridge is alive, vibrant, and the view from it is absolutely breathtaking. If you want to experience it in solitude, be sure to get up early, as it’s a magnet for tourists.
Charles Bridge never gets old.
Even after walking across the Charles Bridge dozens of times, you always discover new details - hidden corners, intricate features on the statues, buildings, and fresh views. The ever-changing sky above Prague Castle, perfectly visible from the Charles Bridge, creates a mystical and romantic backdrop, especially when you witness the sun setting behind the castle in the summer. In the twilight, you can admire the pink, orange, purple, and blue hues spreading across the sky.
The iconic Charles Bridge is a breathtaking highlight along Prague's enchanting Golden Mile.
The First Stone and the numerological palindrome
The superstition of Charles IV
Throughout the centuries, the Charles Bridge, named after Charles IV, has witnessed a great deal since the moment its first stone was laid. Legend has it that Emperor Charles IV placed this stone in 1357 on July 9, at precisely 5:31 a.m., forming a numerological palindrome:
1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1
According to Charles IV, this sequence would bring luck and prosperity.
The Charles Bridge was built to replace the Judith Bridge, which had collapsed in 1342 due to spring ice melt. Remnants of the old bridge can still be seen at the Charles Bridge Museum.
The construction of the Charles Bridge was officially completed in 1402. Until 1841, it remained the only bridge in Prague, until the second bridge was built where the Legion Bridge (Most Legií) stands today.
Personal tip for an amazing view
"You have to go to the Most Beautiful Spot of Prague, close to the Charles Bridge.
From this vantage point, at the edge of the Vltava River, you’ll have a stunning view of both the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle."
The Gates for Defending the City
To reach the Charles Bridge, you pass under beautiful gates from both sides.
Staroměstská mostecká věž - Old Town Bridge Tower
This stunning Gothic tower stands on the Old Town side (Staré Město) of the Charles Bridge. It was built at the same time as the bridge and in the same style by architect Petr Parléř, who also was responsible for parts of St. Vitus Cathedral.
For an unforgettable view, you can purchase a ticket and climb the 138 steps to the gallery. Once at the top, you can rest and enjoy a unique view of the Charles Bridge and Prague.
Gruesome Event
In 1621, after the execution of 27 rebels on the Old Town Square, the heads of twelve of the leaders were displayed in the upper part of the tower as a warning. The heads remained there for more than ten years before being secretly removed at night and buried in an unknown location.
Personal tip for a great picture
""The Staroměstská mostecká věž (Old Town Bridge Tower) features a beautifully adorned Gothic ceiling that is worth admiring. It has a crown in the middle, under which future kings walked before being crowned at Prague Castle."
Malostranská mostecká věž - Lesser Town Bridge Tower
On the Malá Strana side of the Charles Bridge, you’ll find two towers connected by a gate.
The shorter of the two towers is often called Judith's Tower because it was part of the Judith Bridge, the predecessor of the current Charles Bridge. It was built in Romanesque style in 1158 and originally served as a defense structure for the city. After a fire in 1310, the tower was reduced in size and restored in Renaissance style in 1591.
The larger tower dates back to 1464 and was built on the orders of King George of Poděbrady.
The tower is open to visitors and offers a stunning view of Prague.
Personal money saving tip
"The towers can be visited with a 50% discount in the first hour after opening.
It is very quiet at that time, and with the money you save,
you can enjoy a beer or a coffee."
The Sculptures on the Charles Bridge
They give the bridge its allure
Charles Bridge would not be so beautiful if it wasn't for de scultptures and statues on both sides of the bridge.
Until the end of the seventeenth century, there were no stone sculptures on the bridge, only a wooden crucifix. To honor saints, Baroque sculpture groups were added to the bridge. John of Nepomuk was the first one to be placed on the bridge in 1683. Most of the sculptures were installed between 1706 and 1714.
Over the years, they have been restored and replaced with replicas. The original sculptures can be seen in the Lapidarium and in Vyšehrad.
Knight Brunsvik
St. John of Matha, Felix of Valois, and St. Ivan
St. Cyril and Methodius
St. Vitus
The touching of the John of Nepomuk statue
It is a long and silly tradition among tourists (created by two students in the '90s) to touch the statue of John of Nepomuk, the oldest and only bronze figure on the Charles Bridge. This is said to bring luck and a quick return to Prague.
Most people actually touch the plaques that hang beneath the statue, which can be seen in the areas that are much lighter than the rest."
Honest Lamp
As a joke, the guys from the Honest Guide have declared their Honest Lamp (the lamppost next to another plaque of Jan Nepomuk) a blissful lamp.
Touching the lamp brings you good fortune and ensures a quick return to Prague.
I can attest that this superstition is completely true. Regularly returning and I am also very happy.
In this seven minute video, all the statues are briefly explained:
Extra Information, do's and don'ts
Respect Charles Bridge
Keep in mind that the Charles Bridge is considered a work of art and a historical heritage of Charles IV, the most important figure in Czech history. Please respect it as you would a painting in a Picasso or Van Gogh museum. Here are some do's and don'ts...
Do's
- Enjoy every step of the bridge
- Make a lot of pictures on the bridge and do make some room for others (so no photoshoot when it is busy)
- Come back to bridge late in the evening or early in the morning for a less busier bridge
- Hold still every other thirty feet and be amazed about the view
Don'ts
- Do not ride a bike, e-scooter, segway or any other vehicle on the Charles Bridge. Although you won't be fined, its is not allowed and it is too busy. Besides that, its without respect to the bridge.
- Do not climb the walls or statues of the Charles Bridge for a selfie or whatever you think you must be doing up there.
- Do not write on the Charles Bridge. You will be found, arrested and get fined or put in jail for a long time. There are cameras so don;t think yu can get away with it. No joke.
- Don't give money to the professional beggars with dogs. They make big money and are not homeless at all.
- Don't hang a lovelock on any fence.
Charles Bridge Museum and Boat Cruise
At Křižovnické náměstí, the square where the statue of Charles IV is located, you’ll find the Charles Bridge Museum. Here, you can see how and with what machines the bridge was built and view the last remaining section of the Judith Bridge.
Combine your visit with a cruise on a boat, and you’ll have a delightful morning or afternoon.
Entrance to the museum right from the statue
The boat takes you through small Venice
There is no need for map to find the Charles Bridge. You will find it without even have to look for it.
The Charles Bridge is accessible day and night and is free to visit by foot.
Enjoy the bridge and its surroundings.
You Love Prague