Charles Bridge
Ideal: Ideal for photography, romantic walks, city views, and classic Prague atmosphere.
Its foundation was laid on the date Charles IV's astrologers chose: 9 July 1357 at 5:31 — digits that read the same forwards and backwards. It is 516 metres long with 16 arches; a centuries-old tale says egg yolk was mixed into the mortar for strength. Most of the 30 baroque statues were added between 1683 and 1714, but what you see today are copies; the originals are in a museum. Saint John of Nepomuk was thrown into the river from here in 1393; the plaque beneath his statue is polished bright from touch.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1357
- Opened
- 1402
- Architect
- Peter Parler
- Architectural style
- Gothic architecture
- Height
- 13 m
- Length
- 516 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Is it true that eggs went into the bridge's mortar?
Eggs are said to have been added to strengthen the mortar, and analyses have found traces of organic additives. Legend has it that villages sent cartloads of eggs — some arriving hard-boiled.
Why was the foundation stone laid at that exact time?
Charles IV had the moment chosen astrologically: 5:31 a.m. on the 9th day of the 9th month of 1357. The digits form the palindrome 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1.
Are the statues on the bridge original?
Almost none of them. The original Baroque sculptures were moved to the Lapidarium to protect them from pollution and flood damage; what you see on the bridge are replicas.
Why go?
- To walk across Prague's most iconic bridge
- To see the Vltava, Prague Castle, and Old Town together
- To feel the historic atmosphere of statues and Gothic bridge towers
Travel tip
It gets very crowded during the day; early morning or an evening walk is much more enjoyable.
