Charles Bridge in Prague – photo and description, history, legends, map
It is simply impossible to visit Prague and not walk along the Charles Bridge. This place is so closely connected with the history of the Czech Republic that it has become a kind of symbol of the capital. The length of the bridge exceeds half a kilometer, and the width is 10 m. The bridge is supported by 16 reliable supports, which, for all their strength, seem elegant. The bridge connects Stare Mesto and Mala Strana.
History of Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of the oldest structures. Initially, even before its construction, the Yuditin Bridge was thrown across the Vltava. But it collapsed at the beginning of the 14th century, in the spring, unable to withstand the pressure of water and ice. It was decided to build a new bridge several tens of meters downstream. Construction began in the second half of the 14th century, according to an order given by Emperor Charles IV. The date of the most favorable start of construction was determined by astrologers, and the emperor himself laid the first stone in the foundation. Since then, it was on this bridge that future monarchs traveled to the coronation ceremony. Ordinary citizens were charged for crossing the bridge.
Two orders of chivalry “controlled” the bridge. One order was in charge of keeping the bridge clean and repairing if necessary. The second took duties for the transport of goods along the Vltava. Both orders were given land near the Charles Bridge, and there was active development in these areas. The bridge quickly became the center of life in the Czech capital. Fairs were held here, and knights fought in tournaments “for the king and beautiful ladies.” During the revolutions that shook Europe in 1848, the bridge was blocked by barricades. And during World War II, Czechs brought fresh flowers here and placed them at the feet of sculptures depicting saints, asking them to rid their native land of invaders.
Starting from the end of the 19th century. A tram ran across the bridge. Only in 1974 the Charles Bridge was completely given over to pedestrians. Since then, a kind of “Czech Arbat” has been located here. Artists sell their paintings and draw portraits here, and artisans sell souvenirs. In addition, numerous guests of Prague come to the bridge to look at the beautiful sculptures, touch the history that seems to come to life here, and make a wish. The Czechs assure that if the wish is good, it will certainly come true. There is a museum next to the bridge. If you visit it, you will learn the history of this famous building in more detail, look at documents, drawings and photographs. Almost until the end of the 19th century, the bridge was called the Prague Bridge, but then, by the will of the Czech people, it was renamed Karlov.
Sculptures on the Charles Bridge
Today there are 30 statues on the Charles Bridge. The first sculptures appeared here at the end of the 17th century, since then their number has only increased. True, some figures turned out to be so valuable historically and artistically that they were replaced with copies. The originals are carefully kept in the National Museum. Russian tourists can recognize here John the Baptist, Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Mother of God, John the Evangelist, Mary Magdalene and other saints honored by the Orthodox Church. The roads for believing Czechs are the martyr Jan of Nepomuk, Saints John of Czech and Wenceslas, and many others.
Almost constantly, guides with their wards pass along the bridge, stories are heard in all languages, including Russian. Stay here longer – and you will learn the history of each sculpture. Including you will be told which statue is the original and which is a copy. Also an integral feature of the bridge are its three towers – Staromestskaya, Malostranska and Yuditina.
How to make a wish
A lot of tourists come to Charles Bridge just to make a wish. In order for the wish to come true, you need to approach the sculpture depicting John of Nepomuk. First touch the right side of it, and then move your hand to the left and touch the dog with the palm of your hand. Another option. On the grating of the bridge is the place where the martyr Yang was thrown into the river. Press your fingers to the golden stars and wish something good with all your heart. Of course, you can not guess what, in principle, cannot come true. And the saint will certainly give a chance to fulfill good desires.
How to get to the bridge
The easiest option is to call a taxi, or walk to the bridge if your hotel is nearby. You can also take the tram. Trams will take you to Charles Bridge: No. 1, 2, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 93, 97. If you decide to use the metro, you need to take one of the trains running along line A and get off at Staromestska or Malostranska station. Climbing up, you will find yourself on the western or eastern side of the bridge. Another tip, if you love photography and want to take beautiful pictures of the Charles Bridge, come here at dawn. At this time of day, the bridge is especially beautiful, and you will not be disturbed by the numerous tourists who obscure its sculptures and put their hands on the “places of fulfillment of desires.”
tourism.com.de recommends the following hotels near Charles Bridge: