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Charles Bridge , spanning the Vltava River, connects Prague Castle and the Old Town . It was the only way for successive kings to march through the Vltava River. Built in 1357 , the first bridge across the Vltava River in Prague , it boasts a 650 -year history. With its rich history and architectural artistry, it is one of Prague's most famous monuments.
Charles Bridge , Europe's oldest and longest bridge, boasts 30 statues of saints, all masterpieces by Czech Baroque masters from the 17th and 18th centuries. It's known as " Europe's open-air Baroque sculpture gallery . " The originals are now housed in a museum, while most have been replaced with replicas. It's said that touching the stone statues with all your heart will bring you a lifetime of happiness.
Parts of a bronze statue on the bridge have been rubbed shiny by visitors. The eighth statue of St. John on the right side of the bridge is the guardian of Charles Bridge. A golden cross is engraved in the middle of the fence, which is the spot where St. John was thrown from the bridge.
On the bridge, you can watch performances by artists and some handicraft creation performances. It has become a showcase for Prague art. You can also buy many artworks on the bridge, including watercolor paintings of Charles Bridge and puppets dressed in traditional Czech costumes and court costumes.
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The Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks. It connects Prague Castle with the Old Town and is adorned with 30 statues of saints. The bridge is a symbol of Czech history and a key element in the city’s medieval architecture.
The Charles Bridge is located in the heart of Prague, connecting the Old Town (Staré Město) with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). It is easily accessible on foot from both areas. The nearest metro stations are Staroměstská (Line A) and Malostranská (Line A). Public transport buses and trams also pass near the bridge.
The bridge is open 24/7 as it is a public thoroughfare. However, the best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid large crowds and enjoy the scenic beauty of the bridge in softer light.
The Charles Bridge itself is free to visit, but there is a charge to visit the historical tower at either end of the bridge. Tickets for the tower can be bought on-site or online in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for visiting the bridge. However, if you want to visit the towers or participate in a guided tour, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A visit to the Charles Bridge itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you stop to admire the views and take photos. If you plan to visit the nearby attractions like the bridge towers or the Old Town, you may need a few more hours.
Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages including English, German, and Spanish. Audio guides are also available for rental at the bridge or as part of a tour package.
Start at the Old Town end of the bridge and walk towards the Lesser Town. Take time to admire the statues along the way, and be sure to stop at the towers for the best views of the city.
The Charles Bridge is open at night, and while there are no light shows, the illuminated bridge and surrounding buildings offer a magical view in the evening. Some special night tours of Prague include a visit to the bridge, which can provide a different perspective of this iconic landmark.
The Charles Bridge is often crowded, especially during the day and on weekends. The least crowded times are early in the morning or late in the evening, particularly on weekdays.
There are no toilets or food facilities directly on the bridge. However, there are shops and cafes at both ends of the bridge in the Old Town and Lesser Town. It’s best to grab water or snacks before visiting, as there are limited options on the bridge itself.
The Charles Bridge is generally accessible for elderly and children. However, there are cobbled stones and steps in certain areas, which may be challenging for visitors with mobility impairments. The bridge itself does not have dedicated accessibility features, but the nearby areas are more accessible.
While cash is accepted at many shops and food stalls nearby, cards and mobile payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) are widely accepted in the tourist areas around the bridge.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan food options available in nearby restaurants, especially in the Old Town and Lesser Town areas. Halal food is also available in select places near the bridge.
There are several souvenir shops near the Charles Bridge selling items such as Czech glassware, magnets, traditional crafts, and T-shirts. You can also find local artwork and handmade jewelry.
