The beautiful Charles Bridge (Karluv most) is a very popular tourist attraction with wonderful views of the castle and the river Vltava, but it can get very crowded in the summer as street entertainers grace the bridge along with artists and souvenir vendors.
The bridge is decorated with 30 sculptures of saints - most in baroque style. The first sculpture placed on the bridge was of Saint John of Nepomukin in 1683, to mark the 300th anniversary of the saint’s martyrdom when his tortured body was thrown from the bridge. It is believed that if you make a wish while rubbing the brass relief under this statue, your wish will come true.
Despite the crowds this is an attraction essential for any visitor to Prague. It is recommended to visit the bridge during the day to enjoy the views, but also at night when the street lights cast the reflections of the statues on the water below.
The Bridge was built by order of King Charles IV, with the first foundation stone laid in 1357. It is 516 metres long, nearly 10 metres wide and rests on 13 arches. Until the 19th century it was the only connection between the Old Town and Prague Castle.
It was originally called the Stone Bridge, but has been known as the Charles Bridge since 1870.
There are two towers that stand on either side, the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, both are open to the public and offer views of the bridge. The Old Town Bridge Tower, built towards the end of the 14th century, is the more important of the two. It is considered a master piece of Gothic architecture. A short film can be viewed in this tower that explains the role astrology and astronomy played in the construction of Charles Bridge.
Opening Hours
The Bridge is open 24 hours.
The Old Town Bridge Tower
Mar: Daily 10am - 6pm
Apr: Daily 10am - 7pm
May-Sep: Daily 10am - 10pm
Oct: Daily 10am - 7pm
Nov-Feb: Daily 10am - 5pm
How to Get There
Metro: A - Staromestska
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