Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) has got to be one of the most mystical bridges of its kind. Built in the 14th century and still intact after centuries, it holds the famous 30 statues, beginning with St. John of Nepomuk, placed in 1683, the oldest statue. St. John was thrown from Charles Bridge and thus commemorated. Legend says that if you touch him, luck will come your way. Don’t forget to stop and take a look at this statue especially! But the best way to feel the magic on this bridge is to make your way slowly and really take in the sights on and around the bridge.

On the Path

This is a 1,700-foot long span that connects Prague Castle and Stare Mesto (Old Town). Whether you start at Mala Strana or Stare Mesto, the bridge holds many interesting people and sites. Along the promenade, you will come across various artistic vendors who will want to draw your caricature, vendors selling beautiful hand-drawn or sketched sceneries of Prague, jewelry vendors and the like. So, be ready to spend some of those Czech crowns! Various street musicians looking for a good audience will keep you entertained along the path and will also appreciate your generosity.

The Statues

If you decide to take a walk during the early morning or at sunset, the shadows that are cast are mystical and mysterious. You may feel like you are back in time, surrounded by figures such as: Madonna kneeling to the St. Bernard, St. Anne , the virgin Mary’s mother, holding baby Jesus, St. Cyril and St. Methodius known for introducing Christianity to the Slavs. Do not miss St. Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuit order and on his shoulders you will see an Indian, a Tartar, a Chinese and a Moor. These figures symbolize the cultures that were the target of religious conversion. This statue is one of the best of Czech Baroque. Then there is St. Nicholas of Tolentino handing out bread to the poor. Behind him is a house with a lantern on the top-floor balcony. Legend has it that if the lantern goes out while you are passing by, you will die within the year! The last statue is of St. Wenceslas, sculpted in 1858 and commissioned by Prague’s Klar Institute for the blind. A Prague guidebook or history will help identify all the 30 statues and the history behind them. Most important: enjoy your bridge promenade.