Views from Prague’s Charles Bridge

No visit to Prague is complete without crossing the famous Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – as one can see from the (seemingly) Times Square-level of tourists passing by it each day.

Nevertheless, it’s a must on any trip, and truly is picturesque in all weather conditions.

I still have memories of living here years ago and being enchanted by a fairytale scene as I walked across the bridge at about 2 am in a snowstorm, watching the snow pile down on the heads and shoulders of the various statues lining its length.

Construction of this bridge began in 1357 under the reign of – you guessed it – King Charles (Karel).

For many ceturies, it was the only bridge spanning the Vltava in Prague’s center.

This bridge served as a major trade route from east to west, and has also witnessed history first hand.  In 1648, a truce of the Thirty Years’ War, the brutal war waged between Catholics and Protestants, was signed at the middle of this bridge.

The bridge is 516 meters long and flanked by three towers, which you can climb for views over the bridge, the river, and the castle beyond.

There are thirty statues along the bridge, most of them baroque frm the early 1700s. The originals have been removed and the replicas are now on display.

The statue of Jesus on the cross is the oldest on the bridge, and was alone for many years. The golden words in Hebrew declare Jesus as Lord, and were paid for by a Jewish man charged with blasphemy in the 1600s.

Local Saints Wenceslas and Vitus are both on the Mala strana (Lesser quarter) side of the bridge. The church twering above the bridge is St Vitus.  St John of Nepomuk’s statue has marks from generations who have rubbed the statue for good luck.

A prisoner locked up by his Ottoman captors

It’s a wonderfully atmospheric walk, and the natural way to link visits from the Old Town to the Lesser Town and the Castle. In summer it’s fun to take out the paddle boats to enjoy the views from down below.

It’s harder today than it was in the years I lived in Prague to enjoy this bridge without the crowds. But regardless, the Charles Bridge makes for a fabulous meander on your visit to this stunning Bohemian city.