Discovering the Enchantment of Charles Bridge: Exploring Its Rich History

Prague’s Oldest Bridge: A Resilient Historical Icon

The foundation stone of the majestic Charles Bridge was laid by Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, who began the construction of this stunning gothic stone bridge in 1357. This initiative came about after the previous bridge fell victim to a devastating flood. Though it took until 1402 for the bridge to be completed, it continues to serve as a vital connection between the left and right banks of the Vltava River today.

Throughout its storied history, the bridge has witnessed numerous tragic events, wars, and destructive floods. Among the most severe incidents was in 1890 when three arches of the bridge collapsed. Yet, after each misfortune, it has been lovingly restored, and now offers a breathtaking view of Prague Castle. This castle is noted in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest continuous castle complex globally and remains the most popular heritage site in Czechia.

Charles Bridge, Praha, or the Stone Bridge?

All three names are accurately associated with this historic structure. Interestingly, the name Charles Bridge wasn’t used during the original period of its construction. For many years, this bridge was merely referred to as Pražský most (Prague Bridge), simply because it was the sole bridge in Prague. Additionally, it was known by the name Kamenný (Stone) bridge. The term Karlův most (Charles Bridge), however, emerged in the late 19^th century, paying homage to its founder.

An Open-Air Gallery

As you stroll across the bridge, it feels as though you’re meandering through an outdoor gallery of baroque statues and sculptural clusters. The embellishments adorning the bridge come from the remarkable studios of renowned artists of the era. Notable talents such as Matthias Bernard Braun (who famously sculpted the statues at the Baroque Kuks Hospital), Jan Brokoff, and his son, Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff, all contributed to this artistic legacy.

A total of thirty statues of revered saints grace the entire half-kilometre stretch of the bridge, with the most iconic being the statue of St John of Nepomuk. Additionally, the two medieval towers—Lesser Town Bridge Tower and Old Town Bridge Tower—hold great artistic significance and once provided protection for the bridge. From their viewing galleries, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas of the winding Vltava River and the historical heart of the city.

Legends and Myths

Ancient tales still hold a captivating allure today. The oldest legend surrounding Charles Bridge is tied to the grand celebration marking the start of its construction. It is said that Charles IV personally laid the foundation stone on July 9, 1357, precisely at 5:31 AM, guided by court astrologers. This auspicious moment was amplified by the alignment of the Leo constellation, a symbol associated with the Bohemian kings, along with the bright visibility of Mars, indicating valor and impactful deeds.

Even more intriguingly, this occasion produced a sequence of odd numbers from one to nine in a palindromic format (1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1). Irrespective of whether you read a palindrome forwards or backwards, it maintains the same structure and charm.

Another fascinating legend speaks of how eggs were purportedly incorporated into the mortar to enhance its strength. However, this tale was debunked a few years ago following material analysis of the bridge’s construction. Contrary to the original claim, the analysis revealed that the medieval builders added milk and wine to the mortar instead.

A Hub for Artists

Beyond being an open-air sculpture gallery, Charles Bridge is also a fantastic place where you can admire or purchase a broad array of artwork, handmade jewelry, and various arts and crafts. You can even have your portrait created by one of the talented street artists who gather there. Additionally, the bridge is often alive with performances; almost daily, the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic Prague landmark is enhanced by musicians, singers, and street organists.

Our tip: At precisely 11:11 a.m. on November 11th, Saint Martin will cross Charles Bridge on a white horse pulling a wagon laden with snow! Additionally, you can look forward to theatre performances and a medieval fair.

© Prague City Tourism

Take a leisurely stroll along Charles Bridge and witness why it is celebrated as one of the most stunning monuments globally. To learn more about its fascinating history, visit the Charles Bridge Museum, located in the St. Francis of Assisi Church behind the Old Town Bridge Tower.

The CELEBRATION commemorating the laying of the foundation stone of the Charles Bridge will take place on June 9, 2025, at 5:31 AM on Křižovnice Square. The festivities will commence with a procession featuring Charles IV and his medieval entourage on horseback, complete with musicians and dancers crossing Charles Bridge.

Did You Know…? Fascinating Facts About Charles Bridge

• In 1621, following the defeat of the Bohemian Estates Uprising which led to the Thirty Years’ War, baskets containing the heads of the 12 participating lords—leaders of the uprising—executed in Old Town Square were displayed on Charles Bridge as a grim warning.

• Until the construction of Emperor Francis I’s chain bridge was finalized in 1841, Charles Bridge was known as the sole crossing over the Vltava River in Prague.

• A horse-drawn tram first operated on the bridge in 1883, followed by an electric tram in 1905, and later replaced by a bus in 1908. The bridge remained open to cars until 1965.

• The statue of the seated Charles IV on the Old Town Bridge Tower beautifully depicts Bohemia’s most esteemed ruler and the bridge’s founder.

• The Lesser Town Bridge Tower is recognized as the oldest segment of the bridge, with its foundations forming part of the original Judith Bridge.

• The original sculptures adorning the balustrades of Charles Bridge are preserved in the Casemates found within the underground Gorlice Hall inside Prague’s Vyšehrad fortifications, as well as in the Lapidarium of the National Museum.

• In the summer of 2022, Charles Bridge dominated Instagram, securing the 10th position among the most photographed places worldwide. Based on TripAdvisor reviews and an analysis by British company Kuoni, it was declared the 6th most stunning heritage site in the world.

Charles Bridge holds the title of being the second oldest preserved bridge in Czechia, with the title of the oldest going to the bridge in Písek.

Explore Other Unique Bridges in Czechia!