Charles Bridge 🇨🇿

Charles Bridge is a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. Spanning 516 meters in length and measuring nearly 10 meters in width, the bow-style structure rests on 16 arches protected by ice guards, modeled after the Stone Bridge in Regensburg. Originally known as the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, the landmark officially adopted its current name in 1870.

Commissioned under King Charles IV, construction commenced in 1357—traditionally recorded as starting at 5:31 am on July 9—and was completed in 1402. It was built to replace the earlier Judith Bridge, which had suffered severe flood damage in 1342. Until 1841, Charles Bridge served as the city's sole river crossing, functioning as an essential trade connection between Eastern and Western Europe and forming part of the royal coronation route linking Prague Castle with the Old Town.

Three defensive bridge towers protect the span, including the Old Town Bridge Tower on one end and two structures on the Lesser Quarter side, notably the Malá Strana Bridge Tower. The balustrade features a continuous avenue of 30 mostly Baroque sculptures depicting various saints. Erected primarily between 1683 and 1714, these works were crafted by prominent sculptors such as Matthias Braun and Jan Brokoff. Highlighted pieces include statuaries of Saint Luthgard, the Holy Crucifix and Calvary, Saint John of Nepomuk, and the knight Bruncvík. Beginning in 1965, the original sculptures were moved to the Lapidarium of the National Museum for preservation, with replicas taking their places on the bridge.

Throughout its history, the bridge survived numerous conflicts and severe floods, including a major inundation in 1890 that destroyed three arches. It carried public transportation starting with horse-drawn omnibuses, followed by electric trams and buses, until vehicular traffic was entirely banned after a major restoration conducted between 1965 and 1978.

Today, Charles Bridge is strictly a pedestrian avenue. The site is monitored by a surveillance camera system, perimeter breach detectors, and regular police patrols to protect its historic integrity. A multi-decade restoration initiative that began in late 2019 continues to inspect, maintain, and repair the historic stone structure.