Charles bridge

The bridge, that you see in front of you, is the oldest one. But not first one. Before Charles bridge here was another one stones bridge, called Juditha’s bridge, from 12th century. All, that is left of it - is little bridge’s tower on Lesser Town side. The first one bridge had been demolished by floodwaters. It happened during the reign of Charles IV. And he decided to start to build a new bridge on a certain day and time, so that the stars patronize the bridge, and it stood for eternity. So, he choose a date, consisted all odd numbers from 1 to 9 and again to 1. It means: 135797531

Again: 135797531.

Means: year 1357. 9th of July, it’s seventh month, at 5 o’clock (5 a.m.) and 31 minutes the architect started to build this bridge.

It was waiting for 15 years for this special day. During this time Prague was without any bridge. People had to cross the river in boats on ferries or by ford.

Construction began with this observation tower. From above, soldiers watched who was approaching the bridge to take a special fee for using the bridge. This tower, like the sculptures on Charles Bridge, is dark because it is built from sandstone, which contains iron. It oxidizes and gives this black color.

The tower is decorated with the coats of arms of the lands of the Czech kingdom. The sculptures that you see on the surface of the tower below: on the left - Charles IV, to his right, one step higher - St. Vitus, and to his right - the son of Charles IV - Wenceslas IV, the next ruler of the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech Kingdom.

At the top of the tower are two sculptures of Sigismund - the second son of Charles, and Saint Vojtech.

Now the observation tower is used as a museum. You can buy a ticket and go up and take beautiful photos of this bridge from above.

Photo: Alesia - guide in Prague