The Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is a Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town at Malà Strana.Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century.The bridge was originally called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) or the Prague Bridge (Pražský most) but has been the "Charles Bridge" since 1870.The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700 but now all replaced by replicas.
The most famous statue is the St. John of Nepomuk,a Czech martyr who was executed during the reign of Wenceslas IV being thrown into the Vltava from the bridge. The plaque on the statue has been polished to a shine by countless people who have touched it over the centuries. It is assumed that touching the statue brings good luck and ensure the return to Prague.
The Charles Bridge is situated on top of the list of places to see. It is also loved by local artists, musicians and souvenir vendors .
A good time to visit the bridge is at the sunset...it's a magic place !
Ilaria Sacco