Charles Bridge in Prague is the most beautiful structure where gothic architectural style meets baroque architecture. Prague is full of magnificent baroque styled buildings and architectures. But Charles bridge is the has a special spot in every traveller’s itinerary. It is the most famous bridge in Prague.
Many people recommend visiting Charles bridge early in the morning, but I did quite the opposite. For my sunrise in Prague, I went to an entirely different place. And I visited Charles bridge on a nice sunny afternoon. I had to make my way through the sea of tourists in the old town of Prague. Fortunately, the bridge wasn’t overcrowded with tourists when I visited it.
Charles bridge history
Charles bridge in Prague is the oldest stone bridge in Europe. In the year 1357, King Charles IV undertook the construction of this bridge. The King himself laid the first foundation. Moreover, it is said that thousands of eggs were mixed with the mortar to make the bridge stronger.
This bridge has survived numerous wars, fights, floods and natural calamities over the ages. It was named as the Charles bridge in around 18th century. The bridge was an important trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. The Kings of Prague used this fact for their advantage and prosperity.
Charles Bridge Statues
Charles bridge has 30 groups of statues placed all over the bridge at regular intervals. The bridge itself has gothic style architecture. And the statues will remind you of baroque architectural style. The statues and sculptures were erected on the bridge in the 16th and 17th century. Some of them suffered in the floods and the wars. These were replaced or remade.
I walked in wonder over this bridge, looking at the several larger than life statues. Later I got to know that, all the statutes at Charles bridge were carefully made replicas of the real ones. None of them is an original. Sometime in the 19th century, they were all replaced with their replicas. Now, all the original statues stand safely in the National Museum.
The Legend of St John of Nepomuk statue
The St John of Nepomuk’s statue was the first sculpture erected on this bridge. And it is the only bronze statue here. It is the 8th statue on the right side if you are coming from the old town square of Prague. The story goes that the suspicious King killed St John after he refused to reveal the confessions of the Queen. Then they threw him over the bridge into the Vltava river. Many still believe that it was more of a political fight between the King and the Church.
These were the historic facts. Now let me tell you the most exciting modern legends which make a visit to Charles bridge exciting. Now, any tourist must touch at 3 places on the Charles bridge. The two plaques below the statue of St John of Nepomuk and the cross with a five-pointed star.
One plaque shows a picture of St John of Nepomuk falling into the river. If you touch this one you will come to Prague again. Another plaque shows a picture of a knight and a dog. Many tourists pet or rub this dog, hoping for a long-lasting loyal relationship. Several others think this brings good luck. Thousands of tourists have rubbed these two places so much, that the bronze plaques have become shiny and look really polished. So they are very easy to spot.
Make-a-wish statue on Charles bridge
If you walk some steps ahead of the St John of Nepomuk statue you will see a small bronze cross. This is placed to mark the location from where St. John of Nepomuk was thrown into the river. It is a common belief that if you touch this cross and make a wish it will come true within a year and a day. Another way to make a wish here is to place each of your fingers on the five stars located on a plaque below the cross.
Sadly when I visited Charles bridge in Prague I was unaware of these legends. I missed tapping and rubbing the Charles bridge statues, to make my wishes come true. So now I have a reason to go back again!
Market on Charles bridge
Many street hawkers and buskers have their shops all on this bridge. The street artists will sketch or paint your portrait for around 500 Korunas ($22 or ₹1500). There are several types of souvenir sellers all around on the Charles bridge.
How to reach the Charles Bridge in Prague
It is very easy to find the Charles Bridge in Prague, as it is centrally located, and a major attraction for tourists. And if you ask anyone, people will easily tell you the way. I had walked all the way to Charles bridge because I was confused about the tram system. Actually, I was unable to spell the name of the nearest tram station. So I just decided to walk. On my way, I asked several passersby, locals, waiters, etc. for directions to reach the Charles bridge.
- Nearest Tram station: Malostranské náměstí
- Open hours: Open 24/7. You can also visit the Charles Bridge at night
- Entry fee: Zero. The bridge hasn’t collected toll for more than 200 years!
Places near Charles bridge in Prague
Charles bridge is located very close to several other major attractions of Prague. Make sure you have some extra time to visit these. On one side of the bridge is the Charles castle. And on another side is a street named Karlova street. If you walk a few steps ahead you will see the Astronomical tower and the old town square of Prague.
Charles Castle or Prague castle
Charles castle or Prague castle is just a short walk away from the Charles bridge. This is the largest old castle in the world as per Guinness book of world records. You can enjoy the architecture even from the outside. The architectural is a mix of varied styles. The cathedral inside is Gothic-styled, while there are several Bohemian baroque art pieces. Moreover, the castle has beautifully landscaped gardens and several defence towers too. It is an interesting place to visit if you like fairy tale castles, art, architecture or history.
The old town square of Prague
There are many shops, cafes and eateries right adjacent to the bridge. This street leads to the Astronomical tower and then to the old city centre of Prague. Pathways are paved with cobblestones, and much of the old medieval vibes are still preserved in this part of Prague. It is a pretty place for eating pretzels, shopping for souvenirs and also for a random walk around.
Astronomical Clock
You must see the Astronomical Clock of Prague which is nearby the Charles bridge. It shows the European time, the Babylonian time, the old Bohemian time (in which the day starts at sunset) and the Star time (which depends on the position of stars). It also has a calendar dial, a ring for the zodiac and tracks the positions of the sun, the moon and the stars. And the best time to see it is at 12 noon when several apostles peep from the windows above the clock.
I saw this clock at 1 pm European time. And the apostles came out and peeped through the windows. So I guess they come out every hour. It is best to reach early and find a good place to stand here. Reach here at least 10 minutes before an hour is completed. Many tourists come here every hour to watch this massive clock ringing.
Important links
- Related Article: Read about Cesky Krumlov a bohemian town near Prague which is straight out of a fairy tale.
FAQs about Charles Bridge in Prague
There are 30 groups of statues on Charles bridge.
There are various modern legends associated with the St John Nepomuk statue on Charles bridge. It is believed that rubbing a plaque with a knight and a dog brings you good luck. And touching another plaque with a picture of St John Nepomuk is supposed to bring you back to Prague again.
It is the 8th statue on the right side if you are coming from the old town square of Prague.
Prague castle, Astronomical clock and old town square of Prague.
