Charles Bridge

Construction of this Gothic arch bridge began in 1357 under the auspices of Charles IV, King of Bohemia, and was completed in 1402. Built of sandstone blocks to replace the earlier Judith Bridge, it served as the primary connection between Prague Castle and the Old Town until 1841. The structure was designed by the architect Peter Parler and functioned as a crucial stop on European trade routes and a coronation route for Bohemian kings.

The bridge is famous for its 30 Baroque statues and statuaries depicting various saints, which were added to adorn the pillars. While many of the current sculptures are replicas, the original works are historical landmarks in their own right. The bridge stands 13 meters high and is recognized as a National Cultural Monument.

Currently, the bridge is a dedicated pedestrian area that is wheelchair accessible. It frequently hosts artists and souvenir vendors. The site often experiences large crowds and remains the oldest preserved bridge over the Vltava River.