The Charles Bridge, Prague

The Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic links the "Lesser Town" to the "Old Town" - and for many centuries it was the only possible way to go between the two sides of town.  The bridge was first built in 1357, and was known initially as the "Prague Bridge" or the "Stone Bridge".  It was renamed "Charles Bridge" after King Charles IV in 1870.

Before the Charles Bridge was built, there was another bridge that connected the two sides of town.  This bridge was called the Judith Bridge, and was built in 1172.  Unfortunately it collapsed in a flood in 1342.  It is said that the builders of the Charles Bridge added egg yolks to the mortar in order to strengthen the bridge.  Seeing as how the bridge is still standing after surviving countless floods, the egg yolks may have been a good idea.


Throughout most of its history - until 1950 to be exact - the bridge had not been pedestrianized.  It had been used for tram and car traffic previously.

The Charles Bridge has also played a vital role in protecting Prague throughout history.  Both the invading Swedes and Prussians were defeated at the bridge in 1648 and 1744 respectively.

St. John of Nepomuk

Originally there were no statues along the bridge.  In 1683 the first statue was added - a statue of St. John of Nepomuk.  St. John of Nepomuk was once the archbishop, and had been tortured to death and thrown off the Charles Bridge during the reign of Wenceslas IV.  Touching this statue is said to bring you good luck and ensure your return to Prague.

Early in the 18th century over 20 more statues were added to the bridge, and today many more line the bridge.  Most of the statues are in the Baroque art style.  Many of the original statues were made of sandstone, and therefore were badly damaged by the elements (some were even swept away during floods) and have been replaced by copies.  At each end of the bridge are bridge towers that were historically used to guard the entrances to the bridge.

Today the bridge is filled with souvenir vendors, street artists, musicians, and tourists.  It is deemed a "must-see" part of Prague by many sources.


Sources:

"  Photo Gallery : Inaresort."  Inaresort. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2013. .

"Charles Bridge in Prague." Prague Tourist Information and Travel Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2013. .

"Charles Bridge, Prague." A View On Cities. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2013. .

"Charles Bridge, Prague." My Czech Republic - Czech travel, culture, community. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2013. .

"Karlův Most: Charles Bridge | Czech Me Out." Czech Me Out | Learn a thing or two about Prague. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2013. .