Charles Bridge Prague - Beautiful Architecture with Stories and Legends to Tell

Charles Bridge is definitely the most prominent and iconic structure in Prague. Everyone visits Charles Bridge. In fact, without a visit to Charles Bridge, one can be considered not to have visited Prague.

Location of Charles Bridge Prague

History of Charles Bridge Prague

Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava River and this connection made Prague an important centre of trade between east and west Europe. Initially, the bridge was called the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge. It was only known as Charles Bridge (as we know it today) since 1870.

Another Entrance to Charles Bridge Prague

This entrance is particularly interesting because of the 3 levels that it has. The Moon, Sun and Star Level. These were suggested by astrologers of the time and it was recommended that the odd number pyramid was to be used (i.e. 135797531) for the construction date of the bridge.

Statue of Charles the 4th Prague Charles Bridge

There’s an interesting fact about the Charles Bridge. It was actually built initially, as a functional construction for jousting tournaments! Can you believe it?! At that point in time, there werent many decorations except for a simple crucifix. However, the desire of the Catholics for ornamentation resulted in 30 statues built between 1600 and 1800AD. Today, there are 75 statues along the bridge.

Reconstruction on one of the statues on Charles Bridge Prague

Things to do at Charles Bridge Prague

The bridge is 516 metres long with 16 pillars and 3 bridge towers. In the day, there would be many souvenir shops, performing artistes, painters and even pick-pockets (beware!) on the bridge.

Try not to buy your souvenirs here as they are usually more expensive than elsewhere in the city. Kate can attest to that right? :p

Also, from Charles Bridge, you can see many other prominent attractions of Prague…

The Famous Prague Castle seen from Charles Bridge Prague

"Money Meter" right at the back - Moves in April — “Money Meter” right at the back – Moves in April

The Prime Minister's House Prague — The Prime Minister’s House Prague

Hunger Wall and Petrin Tower in the distance

Stories and Legends of Charles Bridge

There are also many stories about which statue to touch to become a millionaire. If you touch other statues, you will have children OR your husband will become obedient husbands. Well, the story goes that one day, a tour guide was bringing a group of tourists along Charles Bridge, he started to say that “if you touch this statue, you will become rich!”. MANY tourists started to touch the statue! The other tour guides heard about it and started to come up with variations of these stories!

Taking turns to touch statues on Charles Bridge Prague

For instance, this statue of John Nepomuk (thrown into the river Vltava) has 2 stories to it. IF you touch the statue on the right, you will be rich! (notice that the statue has been touched till it changed colour!). IF you touch the statue on the left (think it was a dog), then your husband will be obedient!

Videos and Charles Bridge at Night

Charles Bridge at night is also worth a visit. The lights of the street lamps bring out the feel of the olden day Prague. A romantic stroll with your other half in the evening is in order if you’re in Prague.