Hello Prague: The Historic Charles Bridge
Almost exactly one year ago my daughter, my daughter in law, and I had the great pleasure of a 9 days in Prague girl’s get together, which was an incredible experience, not to mention a very photogenic one! I really didn’t know all that much about Prague before our trip, and did most of my learning once there via the amazing brochures and booklets available at the tourist information office. I’m embarrassed to say that before planning our trip I had never even heard of the Charles Bridge, nor much about Prague except that it is the burial place of the Maharal of Prague, a famous Jewish figure. Boy was I in for a surprise, as Prague has an extensive Jewish history, with lots to see and learn, and the city itself is stunning with sooooooo much to do. The red roofs, the many opportunities for stunning views, and the wooden souvenirs, and more wooden souvenirs, be still my heart! An Uber trip across town is as little as $3, so you can walk until you drop, and then call a car! Speaking of walking, lets take a little walk across the historic Charles Bridge, that crosses the Vltava river, from Old Town to the Prague Castle shall we?
The Charles Bridge construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and was finished in the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge replaced the old Judith Bridge built in 1158–1172 that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. This new bridge was originally called Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge but has been “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.
The bridge is 516 meters (1,693 ft) long and nearly 10 meters (33 ft) wide. It is protected by three bridge towers, two on the Lesser Quarter side (including the Malá Strana Bridge Tower) and one on the Old Town side, the Old Town Bridge Tower.
A fun vintage inspired sign advertising a tourist boat trip, complete with “sailors” in white uniform, we saw them!
Here it is, the Old Town Tower Bridge, the entrance to the Charles Bridge from the Old Town side of the river. Wow.
Just to the left as you start to cross the bridge you’ll see these buildings.
And a bit further, you’ll see this, as you look down the river.
Here is a look at the bridge. Do not plan your visit during the summer as one can literally not get on the bridge except at around 6 am because of all the tourists. Even in October it was semi packed!
I didn’t take many photos on the bridge itself as there were too many people, but there are a series of interesting statues (copies of the originals) and a number of vendors selling art souvenirs. This photo is the exact spot where one can view the Certovka Canal, yes, do click here to see my photos of that here. The two bridge towers looming in the background really made me feel the heaviness of the gothic architecture and I felt like I was transported in time for a moment there!
Here we are, at the end of the bridge.
Once on the other side of the bridge tower, you enter right into a busy pedestrian (I think?) street, full of tourists who are also crossing the river by using this historic bridge. And no, those folks aren’t looking at me, they are looking at some interesting street performers, which I’ll share with you soon.
I have to say, from this vantage point the bridge does not look all that interesting, but it is, trust me!
A last look at the Charles bridge from above. Hope you’ve enjoyed this little walk! I still can’t believe that I was actually in a place that looks this amazing, and that I actually took this photo, and such is the feeling after visiting Prague, hopefully for everyone!
