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

Smith P (27 days 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 (37 days 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 (2 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.

Jacky Lim (5 months ago)
Charles bridge is very famous and those who visited Prague must visit this bridge, however it is overcrowded with too many tourists.the bridge is filled with many statues of Christ and have a good overview of the Prague castle. We went during the evening and have a good stroll, there are many street artists performance on this bridge as well. It is free entry and highly recommended.

Monika Varshney (7 months ago)
Charles Bridge is world famous which doesn't need any review ;) I have always loved it whenever I have visited it. You could see Prague Castle from Charles Bridge. The bridge is so vibrant. Travelling in Corona times, the bridge was so almost empty. Admired it even more. Also, the view from top of Charles Bridge is amazing.

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Heraclea Lyncestis

Heraclea Lyncestis was an ancient Greek city in Macedon, ruled later by the Romans. It was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC. The city was named in honor of the mythological hero Heracles. The name Lynkestis originates from the name of the ancient kingdom, conquered by Philip, where the city was built.

Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period, as it was at the edge of Macedon"s border with Epirus to the west and Paeonia to the north, until the middle of the 2nd century BC, when the Romans conquered Macedon and destroyed its political power. The main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. The prosperity of the city was maintained mainly due to this road.

The Roman emperor Hadrian built a theatre in the center of the town, on a hill, when many buildings in the Roman province of Macedonia were being restored. It began being used during the reign of Antoninus Pius. Inside the theatre there were three animal cages and in the western part a tunnel. The theatre went out of use during the late 4th century AD, when gladiator fights in the Roman Empire were banned, due to the spread of Christianity, the formulation of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the abandonment of, what was then perceived as, pagan rituals and entertainment.

Late Antiquity and Byzantine periods

In the early Byzantine period (4th to 6th centuries AD) Heraclea was an important episcopal centre. A small and a great basilica, the bishop"s residence, and a funerary basilica and the necropolis are some of the remains of this period. Three naves in the Great Basilica are covered with mosaics of very rich floral and figurative iconography; these well preserved mosaics are often regarded as fine examples of the early Christian art period.

The city was sacked by Ostrogoth/Visigoth forces, commanded by Theodoric the Great in 472 AD and again in 479 AD. It was restored in the late 5th and early 6th century. When an earthquake struck in 518 AD, the inhabitants of Heraclea gradually abandoned the city. Subsequently, at the eve of the 7th century, the Dragovites, a Slavic tribe pushed down from the north by the Avars, settled in the area. The last coin issue dates from ca. 585, which suggests that the city was finally captured by the Slavs. As result, in place of the deserted city theatre several huts were built.

The Episcopacy Residence was excavated between 1970 and 1975. The western part was discovered first and the southern side is near the town wall. The luxury rooms are located in the eastern part. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rooms all have mosaic floors. Between the 3rd and 4th rooms there is a hole that led to the eastern entrance of the residence. The hole was purposefully created between the 4th and 6th century.

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