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Built in 1357 in the Gothic style, Charles Bridge is a stone bridge connecting the Old Town and Mala Strana on the other side of the Vltava River in Prague. The bridge was previously occupied by the Judith Bridge, which collapsed into the river after a flood in 1342.
The Charles Bridge was later built to replace it and became the only pedestrian bridge across the Vltava. Initially called the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, it was renamed Charles Bridge in 1870 after Emperor Charles IV.
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Charles Bridge is one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe. Photo: discoverczech.
Along the bridge are 30 statues of saints erected on the piers from the 17th century. This is a connection between the two art styles of Gothic and Baroque. But the most beautiful and famous on this bridge is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk. St. Nepomuk was a priest under King Wenceslas IV. The king arrested the priest because he wanted to know how his wife confessed. Of course, Nepomuk did not reveal so he was tortured to death and thrown into the Vltava River.
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The Nepomuk statue is particularly attractive to visitors. Photo: flickr.
If you come from the Old Town Square, this statue will be the 8th on your right. Or you can easily recognize it by the shiny gold detail at its foot. According to legend, if you rub your hand on the bronze plate at its foot, you will have good luck and you will surely return to Prague one day.
Also, a few meters away in the direction of the Old Town Square, there is a golden cross marking the spot where Saint Nepomuk was thrown into the Vltava River. The cross is not very prominent, so you have to look carefully if you want to find it, and don’t forget to touch the cross and make a wish. It is said that if you do so, your wish will come true within a year.
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A street performer is immersed in music. Photo: flickriver.
The best time to walk here is early in the morning when the bridge is not too crowded. A romantic walk through the light-filled streets at night is also an ideal suggestion.
Here, you will come across souvenir stalls, street artists who are passionately playing musical instruments, singing, drawing. If you want, you can get yourself a sketch done in just ten minutes right on the bridge.
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It's not hard to see couples taking wedding photos on the Charles Bridge. Photo: flickr.
As the most beautiful and romantic bridge, if you have the opportunity to come to Prague, don't forget to go with your lover or companion to Charles and touch the statue of Saint Nepomuk once to pray for luck, happiness and a promise to be together again.
