One of the most visited places in Prague is the Charles Bridge, which connects two historical districts of the city: the Old Town and the Lesser Town. On it in any weather there are a lot of people and excursion groups. He is described by such adjectives as the most beautiful, the oldest and the most famous. Due to its beauty, ancient history, a lot of interesting beliefs and legends, Charles Bridge is surely included in the excursion program of Prague.
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History of the Charles Bridge
In the 12th century, Juditin Bridge was built on this place, bearing the name of Queen Jutta of Thuringia. Due to the development of trade and construction, over time, there was a need for a more modern structure. Then in 1342 almost completely destroyed this bridge. And already on June 9, 1357, King Charles IV began the construction of a new bridge. According to legend, the date and time of laying the first stone of the Charles Bridge in Prague were recommended by astrologers, and they, recorded in order, are a numerical palindrome (135797531).
This bridge was part of the Royal Road, according to which the future rulers of the Czech Republic went to the coronation. At one time there was a horse, then, after electrification, a tram, but from 1908 all vehicles were removed from the voyages over the bridge.
Where is Charles Bridge?
You can get to Charles Bridge and both on the tram and on the metro.
Directly to the bridge, trams No. 17 and No. 18 are brought in, and exit from them is necessary at the Karlovy lázně stop. You can also just get to the historical part of Prague, and then go on foot. For this you need to get:
- by tram to the stops of Staroměstská (No. 17 and 18) or Malostranská (No. 1, 8, 12, 18, 20, 22, 91);
- on the metro (branch A) to the stations Staroměstská and Malostranská, which are located on different banks of the river.
Description of the Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge has such dimensions: length - 520 m, width - 9.5 m. It stands on 16 arches and is lined with blocks of sandstone. This stone bridge originally bore the name - Prague Bridge, and from 1870 received its present name.
From two ends of the Charles Bridge are the bridge towers:
- Old Town - is located at the entrance to the bridge from the east. It is decorated with coats of arms and figured plastic, a kingfisher is depicted above the gate, on the second floor there are sculptures of St. Vitus, monarchs of Charles IV and Wenceslas IV.
- Malostransky - two towers from the west, but built at different times. The first was originally in the Romanesque style, but in the 16th century it was redone to the Renaissance style. The second (higher) tower was laid later, in the 15th century, it is similar in style and detail to the Old Town. Somewhere in the late 14th century a gate was erected between the western towers.
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Also, the bridge is decorated with 30 single and group sculptures of the late 17th - early 18th centuries. They are associated with a variety of beliefs. For example, touching any sculpture of the Charles Bridge and making a wish, you can expect that it will be executed. Here, desires for lovers who, standing on the bridge, will kiss will come true.
Among the sculptures can be identified:
- a statue of Jan Nepomuk - the oldest and most famous of all. It is dedicated to the martyr, revered in the Czech Republic, who was drowned in the river on the orders of Wenceslas IV.
- "The Vision of St. Luigardy "- a beautiful sculptural group, authored by M. Brown.
- "Crucifixion" - the oldest group of sculptures, which is located on the site of the cross.
Some sculptures were replaced by modern copies, and the originals were placed in the premises of the National Museum.
Here on the bridge, walking slowly, you can admire the paintings and decorations of local artists, listen to street musicians and buy not only souvenirs, but also valuable works of art.
Charles Bridge in Prague is truly a unique historical landmark of the city, which is worth a visit and make a wish on it.