Charles Bridge is one of the most besieged tourist attractions in Prague. The massive bridge over Vltava River was built in the 14th century and connects the Old Prague with Mala strana. Every visitor of Prague crosses Charles Bridge at least once - not only to see the beautiful towers at both ends of the bridge and its famous statues, but also to enjoy a spectacular view of Prague Castle, Vltava River and other parts of Prague. All that said, you can expect the crowds at Charles Bridge to be similar to the crowds in Prague metro. However, if you wish to enjoy the bridge in peace, you do have a chance. Rise early and get to the bridge at dawn.
The construction of Charles Bridge was commissioned by the Czech king Charles IV. It only served as a venue for knights' tournaments at first, thus the bridge was rather bare. Later on, between 1600 and 1800, thirty statues have been erected on the Charles Bridge under the influence of Catholic Church whereas today the bridge is adorned with no less than 75 statues. Most of the statues are copies though as the originals have been destroyed by floods and other disasters or are kept in the Lapidarium.
The statue of St. John of Nepomuk
The oldest and probably the most popular statue on Charles Bridge is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk. It is the 8th statue on the right side of the bridge if you cross it from the Old Town to Mala strana. Most probably you will recognise the statue without counting as there are always many people queuing in front of it. They want to touch it as this is considered to bring luck.
John of Nepomuk was a court priest of the king Wenceslas IV. The latter ordered his execution by throwing him into the Vltava River from Charles Bridge, because he invited a bishop who was the king's enemy to Prague. From the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, walk a few steps towards the Old Town and you will see a cross with five stars on your left side. The cross marks the exact location from which St. John of Nepomuk was thrown into the river. Touch the cross and the stars with your left hand and anything you wish for in that moment will come true.
Charles Bridge Towers
There are picturesque towers standing at each end of the Charles Bridge. The gothic tower at the left bank of Vltava River (i.e. at the bank where the Old Town is) is named Old Town Tower (Staroměstská věž). It was completed in 1380 as a part of a former wall which protected Prague from intruders. The tower at the right bank of Vltava River (i.e. at the bank where Mala strana is) is named Mala Strana Tower (Malostranská věž). It was built in the second half of the 15th century and was modelled after the Old Town Tower. Next to the Mala Strana Tower there is a smaller Judit Tower, the only remaining part of the first Prague bridge that was destroyed in floods in 1342.
Location: Old Town, Prague 1. Transport: metro A (station: Staromestska).