Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge replaced the old Judith Bridge built 1158–1172 that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. This new bridge was originally called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) or the Prague Bridge (Pražský most) but has been the 'Charles Bridge' since 1870. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava until 1841, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. This 'solid-land' connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe.

The bridge is 621 metres long and nearly 10 metres 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 Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. 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.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Gio DiLo (9 months ago)
So beautiful and romantic to walk there in late afternoon with the sunset! Best walk in my life! We traveled as couple in Prague and we had such nice walks on the bridge..we even did a caricature there. Splendid souvenir to take home.

Harshita Tiwari (11 months ago)
Does this place needs a review? Absolutely not. It's breathtaking, medieval marvel and well preserved. Such a wonderful place and vibe and beautiful sunset. It will be more enjoyable if you know a bit about history and statues if you don't have a guide.

Smith P (13 months ago)
It is a very lively and scenic place. On one end it has old town while on the other side you will find a city centre. The bridge is usually crowded during day time till late evening. You can find many street shipping options like souvenirs as magnets, pendants. You can also find many artists who can draw instant portraits and also the musicians.

The Travel Hacking Life (13 months ago)
Charles Bridge is one of the must-see sights in Prague. In fact, it is perhaps the most popular place in the whole city. Such is its fame that during the day it is difficult to walk across it, and it is not narrow at all! Its history, the legends surrounding it and its beautiful view over the Vltava River. Along the Charles Bridge you can see 30 Baroque statues, almost all of which depict the most revered saints of the Czech Republic, although a few refer to biblical passages. There are several ways to enjoy the Charles Bridge. The most obvious, easiest and cheapest is to walk from one side to the other. During the day, and especially in high season, it is absolutely packed with tourists, vendors and street performers, so to avoid the crowds we suggest arriving early or late in the day. Another way to enjoy it is to look for a good panoramic view at street level. There are viewpoints on both sides of the river that are perfect for taking photographs.

Venkatesh Iyer (14 months ago)
Charles bridge is an old awesome bridge to visit. We can go for Boat ride and also there is an cafe on the bank as well. Tram connectivity is good to this place. I have really enjoyed this place thrice when I have visited the the Prague. Lot of used to visit this place and enjoy the river. We can find enough of entertainment in around this place.

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Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

During the Napoleonic occupation the palace was enriched by Joachim Murat and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, with Neoclassic decorations and furnishings. However, a fire in 1837 damaged many rooms, and required restoration from 1838 to 1858 under the direction of Gaetano Genovese. Further additions of a Party Wing and a Belvedere were made in this period. At the corner of the palace with San Carlo Theatre, a new facade was created that obscured the viceroyal palace of Pedro de Toledo.

In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

The library suffered from bombing during World War II and the subsequent military occupation of the building caused serious damage. Today, the palace and adjacent grounds house the famous Teatro San Carlo, the smaller Teatrino di Corte (recently restored), the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board.

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