Charles Bridge in Prague (Czech Republic) - Stone Bridge / the Prague Bridge on Wltava River

The Charles Bridge, proudly stretching over the Vltava River, is one of the most important and recognizable landmarks in Prague. It connects two historic districts of the city – the Old Town on the right bank of the river and the Lesser Town on the left. It is not only a symbol of medieval architecture and engineering but also a witness to many significant historical events and a place full of legends. Let us travel back in time and uncover the secrets hidden by Prague's oldest bridge.

History of the Charles Bridge

The construction of the Charles Bridge was commissioned by King Charles IV on July 9, 1357, at 5:31 AM. The choice of this specific date and time was not random – it was determined by the astronomers of that era. They believed that such a planetary arrangement (specifically the conjunction of the Sun and Saturn) would give the structure durability and protection against the destructive forces of nature. Interestingly, this date forms a magical sequence of odd numbers from 1 to 9 and back: 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1, which was believed to have symbolic significance.

Before the Charles Bridge, there were other crossings at the same site. The first was made of wood, but it was destroyed by a flood in 1157. Then, in 1172, the Judith Bridge was completed – a stone structure named after the wife of King Vladislaus II. Unfortunately, this bridge shared the fate of its predecessor when a powerful flood in 1342 destroyed it, prompting the construction of a new, more durable bridge.

Originally, the Charles Bridge was called the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge. The name "Charles Bridge" was officially adopted in 1870. For centuries, the bridge played a crucial role in transportation – until 1841, it was the only crossing over the Vltava in Prague, making it one of the most important trade routes in Central Europe.

Charles Bridge through changing times

Over the centuries, the bridge has witnessed countless historical events. It hosted the coronations of Czech kings, knightly tournaments, as well as bloody battles and executions. During the Thirty Years' War, the bridge became the scene of fierce fighting against Swedish forces.

The history of transportation on the bridge is equally fascinating:

• 1883-1908: horse-drawn trams ran
• 1908-1909: the first buses
• 1932-1939: return of bus services
• until 1965: car traffic
• now: pedestrian-only traffic

Construction and dimensions of the Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is a masterpiece of medieval engineering, which still impresses with its solidity and beauty despite the passage of centuries. It is 516 meters long and 9.5 meters wide, and the entire structure rests on 16 massive pillars, 12 of which have their foundations deep under water, up to 2.4 meters below the riverbed. Blocks of sandstone were used for construction, connected with special mortar. Over the years, rumors circulated that chicken eggs were added to the mortar to strengthen the structure. However, research conducted by scientists from the University of Chemistry and Technology found only traces of milk and wine, debunking this popular myth.

From the beginning, the bridge surface was made of cobblestones, which still give this structure its distinctive atmosphere. Over the centuries, the bridge had to withstand numerous floods, which repeatedly damaged it. In 1784, one flood swept away part of the bridge along with a pillar that housed a military guardhouse. Further damage occurred in 1890, when waves destroyed two supports and severely damaged the structure. Despite these disasters, the Charles Bridge has always been rebuilt and reinforced to endure through the centuries.

Defensive and decorative towers

The Charles Bridge is flanked by impressive towers that serve both defensive and decorative purposes. On the Old Town side stands the Old Town Bridge Tower, built at the end of the 14th century. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic structures of its kind in Europe. The tower once served as a gateway, and today visitors can climb it to enjoy breathtaking views of the Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, and the Prague skyline.

At the other end of the bridge, on the Lesser Town side, are two Lesser Town Bridge Towers. The lower one is the Judith Tower, which survived from the previous bridge and dates back to the 12th century. The higher Gothic tower was built later, and together they form an impressive gate guarding the bridge's entrance from the castle side.

Sculptures and symbolism

The Charles Bridge is adorned with 30 Baroque sculptures, created between 1683 and 1928. They depict saints and patrons, including St. John of Nepomuk, who is one of the most important symbols of the bridge. According to legend, St. John of Nepomuk was thrown into the Vltava from the Charles Bridge on the orders of King Wenceslaus IV because he refused to reveal the queen’s confession. His statue stands on the bridge, and touching the relief under the statue is said to bring good luck and grant wishes.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the bridge often suffered from floods, forcing authorities to move the original statues to the National Museum in Prague. Since 1965, the statues have been replaced with copies, and the originals are stored in the Lapidarium. Although the sculptures are no longer authentic, they still attract tourists and add to the bridge’s unique charm.

Charles Bridge – a place full of history

Throughout its rich history, the Charles Bridge has witnessed many significant events. Coronations of Czech kings, knightly tournaments, and battles, such as during the Thirty Years' War when the bridge became the site of clashes with Swedish forces, took place on its cobblestones. It also witnessed executions and other dramatic moments. In modern times, the bridge has attracted artists, musicians, and street performers, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. In 1990, the number of artists was so great that they founded the Charles Bridge Artists Association, which oversees the performance rules on the bridge.

In 1989, the Charles Bridge had to bear the greatest number of people in its history – up to 1,562 people gathered along its length. Fortunately, the structure proved strong enough to withstand this pressure, further confirming its durability.

The flood of 2002 and restoration

In 2002, Prague was hit by the largest flood in 500 years. Although the Vltava rose high, the Charles Bridge, fortunately, did not suffer major damage. However, after this disaster, extensive restoration work was carried out to protect the bridge from future floods and other threats. As part of the renovation, many stone elements of the bridge were replaced. Throwing these stones into the Vltava caused outrage among residents, who could not understand why such valuable pieces of the bridge were not preserved.

Unusual facts about the Charles Bridge

Bridge Numerology: The choice of the date for the bridge’s construction is not the only example of numerical symbolism associated with this structure. It turns out that numbers also appear in the arrangement of the pillars and architectural proportions, which some researchers believe reflects medieval fascination with numerology and astronomy.

Chicken Eggs in the Concrete – The Myth Lives On in Art: Although the legend of adding chicken eggs to the mortar has been debunked, contemporary artists and craftsmen have created a series of art installations referring to this story. In some Prague galleries, visitors can admire works made of eggshells, symbolizing the durability and mystery of Prague's history.

Bridge Ghosts: According to urban legends, ghosts of former soldiers and unhappy lovers can be encountered on the Charles Bridge. Some claim that on a misty night, mysterious figures can be seen walking across the bridge, only to disappear without a trace. The legend also says that the ghost of St. John of Nepomuk haunts the bridge, reminding people of his tragic death.

Charles Bridge Art: The bridge has long inspired local artists and craftsmen, who sell their works on its stone railings. In 2010, as part of the Prague Art Festival, a performance took place on the bridge, in which artists symbolically referred to historical battles fought on the crossing, turning the bridge into a stage full of dramatic events.

Awards and recognition

The Charles Bridge, although a historic monument in itself, has been honored with numerous accolades as a key tourist attraction and one of the most iconic sites in Central Europe. UNESCO has listed the entire historic area of Prague, including the Charles Bridge, as a World Heritage Site. It often appears in rankings of the world's most beautiful bridges, published by renowned magazines and tourism and culture organizations. The bridge is also a frequent subject of exhibitions and international conferences dedicated to architecture and heritage preservation.

Movies and literature

The Charles Bridge has become not only an architectural icon but also an inspiration for filmmakers and writers. It appears in many films that use its magical atmosphere and romantic scenery. For example, in the film "Mission: Impossible" starring Tom Cruise, the bridge serves as the backdrop for spectacular action scenes. It also features in European historical productions, where it plays a key role in setting the epoch's atmosphere.

In literature, the Charles Bridge often functions as a symbol of Prague – a place full of history, mysteries, and dramatic events. In books by authors such as Umberto Eco and Milan Kundera, the bridge is described as a magical place where past and present meet. Local legends and stories associated with the bridge also appear in many literary works, which tell tales of ghosts, conspiracies, and incredible events.

Summary

Today, the Charles Bridge is one of the most important tourist attractions in Prague. You can admire not only its architecture and sculptures but also enjoy the unforgettable view of the Vltava River and Hradčany. The bridge is also a meeting place for artists, musicians, and local craftsmen, creating a unique atmosphere. Walking across it feels like a journey back in time, transporting you to the medieval era when the bridge played a crucial role in the city’s life.