Charles Bridge, also known as Charles Bridge, is one of the most popular bridges in Prague. Decorated with statues of many saints, the bridge has been the only link between the Old Town and Lesser Town for centuries.. It has a magnificent view from the Charles Bridge, where you can see many medieval churches, towers and palaces of Prague. Especially the view of the lower town, where Prague Castle is located, is one of the most remarkable places.
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Karl Bridge Sculptures
The Charles Bridge, which is mostly famous for its Baroque sculptures, is decorated with the sculptures of many saints adorning the balustrades. After most of the original sculptures were damaged, almost most of them were replaced with sculpture copies. The originals are exhibited in the Lapidarium Museum.
Not all sculptures found on the Charles Bridge are of the same quality. Top quality ones are made by Bohemian artists Ferdinand Brokoff and Matthias Braun. The John of Nepomuk Bronze Statue was made by Matthias Rauchmüller and Jan Brokoff in 1683. In addition, this sculpture is the first sculpture made on the Charles Bridge. In 1393, Archbishop Nepomuk was thrown over the Charles Bridge after he was tortured to death.. The reliefs under the statue depict this event.. It is also believed that touching the statue brings luck.
Another of the most admired works of the Charles Bridge is the Statue of St. Lutgarde, created by Matthias Braun in 1710.. The statue shows the blind Flemish nun Lutgarde. Located near the bridge in Lesser Town, two statues were made by Ferdinand Brokoff in 1714. One of the statues depicts three saints: St. John, St. Felix and St. Ivan.. The second statue right across from this statue is the Statue of St. Vitus.
Karl Bridge Towers
In order to protect the bridge, There are towers built on both sides. The tower on the Old Town side is also known as the Old Town Bridge Tower. This tower was built by Peter Parler between 1370 and 1391.
There are two bridges on the Lesser Town side. The smaller one is named after the Tower of Judith, built in 1188. The tall tower right next to it was built in 1464 by the order of King George.
The Story of the Karl Bridge
The bridge has an important location. It has also had an important place in the history of Prague.. At the end of the Thirty Years’ War (1648), the invading Swedes were stopped on this bridge.. Also, in 1744, the Prussians were defeated here.. Today, along with the souvenir sellers on the bridge, it has become one of the popular places for many tourists.. The bridge was named after Judith, the wife of Vladislav II, who gave the most support (Judith Bridge). In 1342, it was destroyed by the waters of the Vltava river.
In 1357, King Charles IV ordered the construction of a new bridge. Peter Parler, who was responsible for the construction of St Vitus Cathedral, was responsible for the project. Parler built a 502-meter-long bridge called “Prague Bridge” just to the north of the Old Judith Bridge. The bridge, which was built on 16 arches and wide enough for 4 cars to pass, was completed in 1402. Until 1742, it was the only permanent connection between the two rivers.. In 1870, the name of the bridge was changed to Charles (Karl) Bridge.
Today it operates as one of the indispensable places of street vendors and tourists.
The Bridge Places to Visit and Things to Do Nearby
- Charles Bridge Museum : You can see the museum by taking boat tours at affordable prices.
- St. Salvator’s Church : You can find small concerts in front of the church during peak season.
- The Church of St. Francis of Assisi: It is located on the eastern side of the Charles Bridge, in Krizovnicke Square.
- Karel IV Monument: It depicts Charles, built in 1848, with a height of approximately 4 meters.
- Old Town Tower: You can watch the view of Prague from this tower, which needs hard restoration work.
- Museum of Medieval Torture: It is generally said to be a dark place where you should not spend your money. That’s why we didn’t enter, it’s a highly recommended museum Although not, it can be tried.
- Bedrich Smetana Museum: Located on the Old Town side, the museum can be visited for river views.. I guess there is no need to go inside.
Near Karl Bridge you can find many restaurants and bars. Especially the old town side is a popular place with its bars.. Although the bars are a bit expensive for food, the drinks are quite affordable. You should visit the Karl Bridge, which has a very different view with the lights on in the evening, if you have the opportunity, in the evening.. Instead of buying souvenirs from street vendors on the bridge, it would be more appropriate to buy them in the Old Town or elsewhere. Souvenirs sold on the bridge are a bit expensive unless you bargain hard.. The bridge, which has an important place in terms of places to visit in Prague, is one of the must-see places.