Charles Bridge
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What's on here
Why go
- The fully lit Prague Castle, seen from the bridge in the evening
- Artists, photographers and musicians who trade on the bridge, chosen by an association since 1990
Don't miss
- Statue of St. John of NepomukThe oldest statue still standing in its original form. Legend says he was thrown off the bridge here; a cross in the parapet marks the spot.Along the statue rowfrom 1683 On the map
- Statue of St. LuthgardOne of the most valuable works on the bridge, a statue also called Luitgarda.Along the statue row On the map
- Statue of BruncvíkThe knight Bruncvík, placed about 200 years after the main row of statues.Off the main avenue of statues On the map
- Saints Cyril and Methodius groupThe last sculptural group placed on the bridge.Along the statue row1928 On the map
- Old Town Bridge TowerA Gothic tower at the Old Town end. After revolt leaders were executed in 1621, their severed heads were displayed on it as a warning.Old Town end of the bridge1621 On the map
Know before you go
- Open around the clock, every day of the week.
- Vehicles are banned, so the bridge is open to pedestrians only.
- The Association of Charles Bridge Artists supervises the bridge and leases it.
- At least one security guard is always on patrol on the bridge.
- A twenty-year programme of inspections and repairs began in late 2019.
Tips for your visit
- About 30,000 tourists cross the bridge every day, so expect crowds.
- A staircase leads down to Kampa, built in 1844 in place of older stairs.
- Some statues are now replicas; the originals are in the Lapidarium of the National Museum.
Best time to visit
- Quiet mornings and sunset are the best times to visit.
With kids
- Visitors touch the silhouettes of a dog and a queen on a pedestal.
- The bridge is central to one episode of Dragons et Princesses by Michel Ocelot.
- The bridge tower can be climbed and has a viewing floor.
- A trumpeter in period costume often plays for visitors from the top of the tower.
Interesting facts6
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30,000 tourists
It is a symbol of Prague, and about 30,000 tourists come across it daily.
Pont Charles - Wikipedia -
Its piers rest on stones shaped like millstones, laid on oak timber grids.
Karlův most - Wikipedia -
2010
Legend says eggs were mixed into the mortar, but scientists found in 2010 that none were used.
Karlův most - Wikipedia -
František Křižík proposed running a special line through the deck, so wires stayed out of the view.
Charles Bridge | Prague City Tourism -
1464
Georgs von Podiebrad ordered the taller Kleinseitner tower built in 1464.
Karlsbrücke - Wikipedia -
1650
A plaque from 1650 honours the defenders of the 1648 siege.
Karlsbrücke - Wikipedia
History
Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, commissioned the bridge to replace the Judith Bridge. Legend says he laid the first stone himself. Until 1841 it was the only crossing of the Vltava, linking Prague Castle with the Old Town. Tradition credits Peter Parler with the building work, but the builder is uncertain. The historic royal coronation route runs across the bridge.
- 1342Floods badly damaged the Judith Bridge, built around 1170.
- 1357Charles IV laid the foundation stone and construction began.
- 1402The bridge was completed, 45 years after construction began.
- 1683–1714Most of the Baroque statues were set up, giving the bridge its present look.
- 1890A flood tore down three arches and collapsed two pillars. The bridge reopened in 1892 after two years of repairs.
Show all
- 1965Car traffic across the bridge ended.
- 1965–1978A capital repair secured the pillars and replaced broken stone blocks.
Accessibility
- Pedestrian-only bridge Cars no longer cross the bridge, so visitors walk the deck without vehicle traffic.
Sources: Charles Bridge - Wikipedia · Prague/Castle and Lesser Town - Wikivoyage (see) · Charles Bridge | Prague City Tourism · Karlův most - Wikipedia · Karlsbrücke - Wikipedia · Pont Charles - Wikipedia · Charles Bridge: description (its own site) · checked 17 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +420221714714
Questions and answers
Can you drive a car across Charles Bridge?
No. Cars have not crossed the bridge since 1965, so it is open to pedestrians only.
Where is Charles Bridge and what does it connect?
Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava river. It links the Old Town with Lesser Town, at the foot of Prague Castle.
How many statues are on Charles Bridge?
Thirty statues face each other along the full length of the bridge. Some are now replicas, and the originals are in the Lapidarium of the National Museum.
Does Charles Bridge have anything for children?
The bridge is central to one episode of Dragons et Princesses by Michel Ocelot.
How many people cross Charles Bridge each day?
About 30,000 tourists cross the bridge every day.
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