A mini Charles Bridge in Würzburg, Germany

This spring, I was in Würzburg, Germany for the first time, visiting a German uncle of mine who has moved there recently. This is a small town in Germany’s Bavaria region, along the Main River.

There is so much to see in this town, but the old bridge crossing over the river is a must-see when you’re in Würzburg.

The Alte Mainbrücke, the Old Main River Bridge, is in the center of town, with the old town on one side and the hilltop Marienberg Fortress, flanked by vineyards, on the other.

The bridge was constructed between the late fifteenth century to mid-sixteenth century to replace earlier, less ornamental bridges. Its twelve statues of saints and other figures were added later – in the eighteenth century.

But this addition makes it reminiscent of Prague’s Charles Bridge, built between the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century and flanked by thirty monumental statues, mostly added in 1700.

I used to live in Prague, and crossing the Würzburg Bridge felt familiar – especially viewing the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, who enjoys pride of place on both bridges. Saint John was killed by King Wenceslas (Vaclav) IV by being thrown over the bridge into the Vltava River. It was a surprise to see Saint John of Nepomuk displayed prominently along the Main River, too.

With my Onkel and my son

The bridge was heavily damaged in World War II bombing, and the bridge was reconstructed in the rebuilding efforts following Würzburg’s destruction. There is an impressive photo display in Town Hall showing the extent of bombing damage to the Bavarian town.

Today, Würzburg’s Bridge is a popular meeting point each evening. Bars on either edge of the bridge sell wine from neighboring vineyards an the bridge is filled with people chatting and drinking wine each evening.

I enjoyed visiting this “mini Charles Bridge” during my stay in Würzburg.