Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is a medieval stone bridge across the Vltava River in Prague linking the Old Town and Lesser Town, construction having begun in 1357 under King Charles IV and completed in the early 15th century. It is a major historic crossing and a focal point of Prague’s cityscape.

The bridge is about 516 m long and about 9-10 m wide, lined with a series of 30 Baroque statues and statuaries added mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries; the most visited statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk. The bridge is pedestrianised, heavily trafficked by visitors and street artists, and is flanked by the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town tower at its ends.

Best viewing and photography conditions are at sunrise or late evening when crowds are lighter and the light on Prague’s riverfront is favourable.

• Age, length and statues: Opened in the late 14th century - construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV - the stone bridge spans roughly 516 m and is lined with 30 statues, mostly Baroque works added in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Visiting tip: Pedestrian-only and busiest at midday; early morning and late evening offer the clearest, least crowded views and photography conditions.

What to See #

• Old Town Bridge Tower: The Old Town Bridge Tower on the east end is a Gothic gatehouse providing views over the bridge and Vltava and is an historic defensive and ceremonial structure.
• St. John of Nepomuk statue and statue group: The central group of statues including the Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk from the late 17th century, whose bronze plaque is traditionally touched for luck.
• Malá Strana tower and approaches: The Lesser Town (Malá Strana) end tower and approaches which historically controlled access between Prague Castle and the Old Town across the bridge.