What should you know before going on a tour of the Charles Bridge?

How long does it take to walk over the Charles Bridge ?

Can you walk across the Charles Bridge ?

The Charles Bridge is commonly crossed, it is for pedestrians only. Cyclists must dismount their bicycles and guide their bicycles so as not to endanger passing pedestrians.

When should I visit Charles Bridge ?

The bridge is accessible 24 hours a day. It depends on the weather, but there are always fewer people on the bridge in the morning.  During the main tourist season in summer, up to 30,000 people a day on average walk across Prague's Charles Bridge.

What do you rub on Charles Bridge ?

There are more places on the Charles Bridge that people touch for luck. Because they are made of metal and people often rub them, they are shiny, they are polished, you can safely recognize them by that. Secret wishes are fulfilled by a bronze cross set into a marble slab. Beneath the slab, the remains of the saint's body are said to lie in the railing. According to a modern legend invented by a tourist guide, the statue of John of Nepomuk is also said to bring good luck.
Specifically, the relief at the bottom of the statue with the image of Wenceslas IV and his hunting dog.

How many statues are on the Charles Bridge ?  Why are statues there ?

There are a total of 30 statues on the Charles Bridge. Probably the oldest mention of sculptural decoration onCharles Bridge dates back to 1419. It is a statue of the crucified Christ. In reports from the middle of the 15th century, an equestrian statue of George of Poděbrady in the middle of the bridge is mentioned. In 1683, a statue of St. John of Nepomuk was erected on the bridge on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his supposed death. In 1700 a statue of St. Wenceslas was added to the bridge. This started the decoration of the entire bridge with statues of saints and by 1714 another 26 statues were placed on Charles Bridge. The youngest statue dates from 1938.

Why is Charles Bridge so famous ?

Until the middle of the 19th century, Charles Bridge was the only way to cross the Vltava River in Prague. Thanks to the stone bridge, Prague became an important stop on European trade routes.  Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town.

What is the story of the Charles Bridge in Prague ?

Charles Bridge was built on the site of the original Judith Bridge from the second half of the 12th century.  Judith's Bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1342.  The construction of the Charles Bridge took 55 years.  It was designed by architect Petr Parléř. Charles Bridge is an important part of the Royal Route.  The Royal Road was used by the future Czech kings to be crowned at Prague Castle until the
19th century.  It starts at the Powder Gate, continues along Celetna Street to the Old Town Square and continues to Charles Street.  Then it crosses the Charles Bridge to Lesser Town Square and continues along Nerudova Street to Prague Castle.

What is unique about Charles Bridge ? 

Charles Bridge is a unique open-air sculpture gallery.  Therefore, especially the sunshine during the day and the changes in the weather give the individual sculptures different facial expressions, allowing you to observe the often hidden details of the sculptures.  They always speak to you again with their stories.

What is the most famous statue on the Charles Bridge?

One of the most artistically significant sculptures on Charles Bridge is "St. Luitgardis" by Matthias Bernard Braun. The most famous is the statue of  "St. John of Nepomuk". Probably the most popular, however, is the statue of "Bruncvík", the legendary Czech knight. If you stop on the bridge and linger in silence for a while by this statue, you may feel the pulsating energy of the earth beneath you. The visitors describe theirs experience as a feeling of peace, harmony and serenity.