Charles Bridge
Karlův most
A Gothic stone bridge founded by Charles IV in 1357, stretching 516 meters with 30 Baroque statues and towers at each end, linking the Old Town and the Lesser Town. It is the soul of Prague.
Charles Bridge was founded by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, on July 9, 1357, at 5:31 a.m. The time was chosen by the court astrologers for its palindromic number, 135797531. The bridge replaced the Judith Bridge, which had been destroyed by floods, and was designed by the architect Peter Parler. It was completed in 1402. For the next 500 years, it was the only bridge across the Vltava River. The bridge is 516 meters long and 10 meters wide, with 16 arches. Each end has a Gothic bridge tower. The Old Town Bridge Tower is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic towers in Europe, and for about 190 CZK you can climb it for views over the bridge and the castle.
The 30 statues on the parapets are mostly Baroque works from 1683 to 1714. The originals are now displayed in the Lapidarium of the National Museum, and the bridge has replicas. The most famous is the 1683 statue of St. John of Nepomuk. This priest was thrown from the bridge into the river for refusing to reveal the queen's confession to the king. Legend says that touching the relief on the base of the statue brings good luck and ensures a return to Prague. The bronze relief has been polished bright by countless touches. A cross on the parapet marks the spot where he fell into the water.
The bridge is open all day and free, and only pedestrians may cross. During the day, painters, musicians, and vendors set up along the bridge. From 9 a.m. until sunset, the crowds are nearly shoulder to shoulder, and pickpockets are active. To photograph the bridge without people, come before sunrise, when the castle and bridge towers in the morning mist offer Prague's most classic view.
At the Lesser Town end are the Kafka Museum, the entrance to Kampa Island, and the 'Narrowest Street.' From the bridge, looking north, you can see the full castle, and looking south, you can see Kampa Island and the mill waterwheel.
Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Staroměstská station on Metro Line A, or take tram 17 or 18 to Karlovy lázně stop. The bridge stones are uneven, and it is slippery in rain or snow.
Opening hours
Open all day; Old Town Bridge Tower 10:00–18:00 (until 22:00 in summer)
Nearby sights
- Malá Strana & Kampa Island
- Clementinum
- Lennon Wall
- National Theatre
- Wallenstein Palace and Garden
- Letná Park
- Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
- Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock