Carlo Bridge

The Charles Bridge, one of the most recognizable icons of Prague, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering that connects the Old Town with the Malá Strana district. Commissioned by Charles IV in 1357, the bridge replaced the old Judith Bridge, which was destroyed by a flood in 1342. Its construction was led by the architect Petr Parléř, also known for his work on St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle. The Charles Bridge is 516 meters long and almost 10 meters wide, supported by 16 stone arches and flanked by guard towers at both ends: the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Malá Strana Bridge Tower. The structure of the bridge is extraordinary not only for its durability and strength, but also for its artistic and symbolic value. It is adorned with a series of 30 Baroque statues, added between the 17th and 18th centuries, depicting saints and Christian patrons. Among the most famous is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, a Bohemian martyr who, according to legend, was thrown into the Vltava River from this bridge. Touching the statue of St. John has become a ritual for visitors, who hope for good luck and a return to Prague. The Charles Bridge has played a crucial role in the city’s political and social history. Over the centuries, it has witnessed royal processions, conflicts, and celebrations. It has also served as an important trade route, connecting commercial routes between Western and Eastern Europe. During the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, the bridge was the scene of numerous clashes, and the Old Town Bridge Tower was used as a strategic defense against invaders. Throughout the centuries, the bridge has suffered various damages due to floods and wars, but it has always been carefully restored to preserve its historical and artistic integrity. One of the most significant interventions took place in 1890, when a violent flood destroyed two arches of the bridge. Subsequent restorations have sought to maintain the original appearance, using sandstone from the same quarry used for the initial construction. From an artistic point of view, the Baroque statues adorning the bridge are works of important sculptors of the time, such as Matthias Braun and Ferdinand Brokoff. Each statue has a unique story and represents an element of Prague’s rich religious and cultural heritage. The attention to detail and expression of the figures make the Charles Bridge an outdoor art gallery, offering a living lesson in history and Baroque art. In recent years, the bridge has undergone further restorations to ensure its preservation. These interventions have included cleaning the stones, strengthening the structure, and restoring damaged statues. Each restoration has been carried out with the aim of respecting the historical integrity of the bridge, using traditional techniques and materials.