Charles Bridge in Prague is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the Czech Republic. Spanning across the Vltava River, the bridge connects the city’s Hradcany and Mala strana neighborhoods with Stare Město and Nove město neigborhoods, 

Construction of the Charles Bridge

Construction of Charles Bridge began in 1357 under the direction of King Charles IV. The bridge was built to replace the old Judith Bridge, which had been washed away by floods. The new bridge was designed to be stronger and more resilient to the elements. It was completed in 1402 and quickly became a vital link between the two sides of the city.

Description of the Bridge

The bridge is lined with statues of saints, many of which were added in the 17th and 18th centuries. These statues are a highlight of a visit to Charles Bridge and are a testament to the skill of the sculptors who created them. Visitors can also admire the stunning views of the city from the bridge, including the nearby Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral.

Best time for visiting 

One of the most popular times to visit Charles Bridge is at sunrise or sunset, when the bridge is less crowded and the light is perfect for photography. During the day, the bridge can get quite busy with tourists, street performers, and vendors selling souvenirs. Despite the crowds, however, the bridge is still a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Prague.

Legends of the Bridge 

In addition to its historical and architectural significance, Charles Bridge also holds great cultural and spiritual importance for the people of Prague. It is said to be protected by the guardian angel of Prague and is the site of many legends and superstitions. For example, it is said that touching the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, who was martyred on the bridge in the 14th century, will bring good luck.

Floods, destructions and  repairs

In recent years, Charles Bridge has undergone a number of restorations and repairs to ensure its preservation for future generations. Despite these efforts, the bridge is still vulnerable to damage from floods and heavy crowds. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings and to respect the bridge’s delicate condition.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Charles Bridge is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Prague. It is not only a beautiful and historic landmark but also holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the people of the city. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views, beautiful statues, and the rich history of the bridge, but also should be mindful of their surroundings and respect the bridge’s delicate condition. Whether you’re visiting Prague for the first time or the tenth, Charles Bridge is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.

Visit the Charles Bridge hostel and apartments and admire the Charles Bridge from the window of your room!

Detailed description of the Charles Bridge

The statues were placed on the Charles Bridge during the 17th and 19th centuries. Individual Prague craft guilds decided to place their patrons on the bridge and thus publicly represent their craft to the passing Prague citizens. The cutters placed a statue of St. James, the carpenters of St. Joseph, the vintners of St. Ludmila, the millers of St. Anne and so on. The complete list is in order from the small side to the old town and back.

St. Ivo

The statue depicts St. Ivo of Kermartin also known as Yves of Brittany, was a 14th-century lawyer and the patron saint of lawyers, notaries, and judges. He is venerated by the Catholic Church and has been canonized as a saint. He was known for his compassion and dedication to the poor. He is also known as the “Advocate of the Poor.” He was born in 1253 in Brittany and died on 19th April 1303. He is the subject of many legends and stories, and his cult has been particularly strong in Brittany and in the French-speaking parts of Canada.

St.  Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth

St. Barbara is a Christian saint and martyr who is venerated in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. She is the patron saint of artillerymen and firefighters. St. Margaret of Antioch is a Christian saint and martyr who is venerated in the Catholic and Orthodox churches. She is the patron saint of pregnant women. St. Elizabeth of Hungary is a Christian saint and princess who is venerated in the Catholic and Orthodox churches. She is the patron saint of bakers, beggars and the homeless.

Statue of the Lamentation of Christ – Pieta

The Statue of the Lamentation of Christ was created in 1714 by the Czech Baroque sculptor Jan Brokoff. The statue depicts the mourning of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. The statue is made of sandstone and is located on the right side of the bridge, close to the Old Town Bridge Tower. The statue is a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture and is considered one of the finest examples of Brokoff’s work.

Statue of St. Joseph

The Statue depicts Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ and is one of the few statues on the bridge that depicts a non-martyr saint. The statue is made of sandstone and was created by the Czech Baroque sculptor Jan Brokoff and his workshop between 1709 and 1711. It is located on the left side of the bridge, near the Old Town Bridge Tower. It is considered an important example of Baroque sculpture and is an important part of Charles Bridge’s history.

Statue of St. Francis Xavier

The statue depicts Saint Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary, who was a co-founder of the Society of Jesus. He was known for his missionary work in the East and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Catholicism in Asia. The statue is made of sandstone and was created by the Czech Baroque sculptor Jan Brokoff and his workshop around 1714. It is located on the left side of the bridge, near the Old Town Bridge Tower.

Statue Of St Christopher

The Statue of St. Christopher is a Christian saint who is said to have lived in the 3rd century AD. He’s cherished as the patron saint of travelers, and his statue is commonly spotted in churches, chapels, and other places of worship to provide protection to those who are traveling. He’s portrayed as a tall, muscular man carrying a child, who is said to represent Jesus Christ. The statue of St. Christopher is an iconic symbol in Christian art and is also seen in devotional items such as medals, statues, and holy cards. The statue of the Charles Bridge was created by the Czech sculptor Jan Brokoff and is made of sandstone. It was originally located on the Old Town Bridge Tower but was moved to its current location on Charles Bridge in the 19th century.

Statue of St Francis Borgia

The Statue of St. Francis Borgia is a sculpture of the Spanish saint and Jesuit priest, Francis Borgia. He is venerated as a patron of the Society of Jesus and is often depicted in art holding a cross and a skull, symbolizing his devotion to God and his own mortality. He’s portrayed as a man holding a globe, representing his missionary work. The statue of St. Francis Borgia is a popular subject in Christian art and can be spotted in churches and other religious institutions globally. The Statue is the fourth statue from the Old Town side and was created in the 17th century.It was created by the Czech sculptor Matthias Braun and is made of sandstone. It was originally located on the Old Town Bridge Tower but was moved to its current location on Charles Bridge in the 19th century. 

Statue Of St Ludmila

The Statue of St. Ludmila on Charles Bridge is a sculpture of the Bohemian Saint Ludmila, the saint venerated as the patron saint of Bohemia and the Czech Republic. The statue is on the Charles Bridge in Prague, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. The Statue of St. Ludmila was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and crafted with sandstone. It is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge and is a popular tourist attraction in Prague. St Ludmila is considered a martyr & her feast day is celebrated on September 16.

Statue Of St Francis Of Assisi

The Statue of St. Francis of Assisi on Charles Bridge is a sculpture of the famous Italian Saint, Francis of Assisi. The statue is on the Charles Bridge in Prague, a landmark that spans the Vltava River. St. Francis of Assisi is known for his devotion to poverty, his love for nature, and his love for animals. He is the patron saint of animals, merchants, and ecologists. The statue of St. Francis of Assisi was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matthias Braun, and crafted from sandstone. It is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge and is a popular tourist attraction in Prague. His feast day is celebrated on October 4th.

Statue of Saints Vincent Ferrer and Procopius

The Statue of Saints Vincent Ferrer and Procopius, also known as the Bruncvík Column, is located on Charles Bridge in Prague. The statue was crafted in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and made it out of sandstone. The statue features two saints, Vincent Ferrer and Procopius, standing on either side of the column, decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from their lives. Vincent Ferrer is a Catholic Saint and a Dominican Friar, known for his devotion to preaching and his missionary work. Procopius of Sázava is a Czech Saint and a hermit, known for his devotion to God and his healing powers. The statue is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue of St. Nicholas of Tolentino

The Statue of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, on the Charles Bridge in Prague. The statue depicts Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, an Italian saint, who is venerated as a patron of the sick, the dying, and the souls in purgatory. He’s well known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary, his miracles, and his commitment to the poor and the suffering. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun, and is sculpted from sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. The feast day of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino is celebrated on September 10.

Statue of St. Luthgard – Dream of St. Luthgard

The Statue of St. Luthgard, alternatively known as the Dream of St. Luthgard, is located on Charles Bridge in Prague. The statue depicts St. Luthgard, a 13th-century Dutch saint, who is known for her devotion to God, her miracles, and her visions. She’s respected as a patron of the sick, the poor, and the oppressed. The statue shows her in a dream-like state, holding a book and a rosary, symbolizing her devotion to God and her contemplative nature. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun, and made from sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue Of St Adalbert

The Statue of St. Adalbert is located on Charles Bridge in Prague. The statue depicts Saint Adalbert, also known as Vojtěch, a 10th-century Bohemian bishop, who is venerated as the patron saint of the Czech Republic and Poland. He is known for his devotion to God, missionary work, and martyrdom. The statue shows him holding a cross and a book, symbolizing his commitment to God and his role as a bishop. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl, and it’s made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. Adalbert’s feast day is celebrated on April 23rd.

Statues of Saints John of Matha, Felix of Valois, and Ivan

The Statues of Saints John of Matha, Felix of Valois, and Ivan on Charles Bridge in Prague depict three Catholic saints who are venerated as the founders of the Trinitarian Order. Saint John of Matha is known for his devotion to the Holy Trinity, Saint Felix of Valois for his dedication to the poor, and Saint Ivan for his missionary work. The statues were created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and made of sandstone. They are located on the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River, and are among the many statues that decorate the bridge. The statues are a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue of St. Wenceslas

The Statue of St. Wenceslas on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Wenceslas, a 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, who is venerated as the patron saint of Bohemia and the Czech Republic. He is known for his devotion to God, charity toward the poor, and martyrdom. The statue shows him holding a cross and a sword, symbolizing his commitment to God and his role as a ruler. It’s one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. Wenceslas’ feast day is celebrated on September 28.

NORTH SIDE STATUES OF CHARLES BRIDGE

Statue of the Madonna attending to St. Bernard

The Statue of the Madonna attending St. Bernard on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts the Virgin Mary aiding Saint Bernard, a 12th-century French Abbot, who’s highly respected as a Doctor of the Church. The statue signifies the scene when St. Bernard received the apparition of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus, which happened in the cave of the Chartreuse, in the French Alps. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun & it’s built from sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue of the Madonna, Ss. Dominic and Thomas Aquinas

The Statue of the Madonna, Ss. Dominic and Thomas Aquinas on Charles Bridge in Prague depict the Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus accompanied by two Catholic saints, Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas. Saint Dominic is the founder of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominican Order, and is respected as a patron of the Catholic Church, Saint Thomas Aquinas is a Dominican theologian and philosopher, and is venerated as the patron of Catholic schools and universities. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun, made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

The Crucifix and Calvary

The Crucifix and Calvary on Charles Bridge in Prague is a statue ensemble that illustrates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The statue shows Jesus on the cross, accompanied by the Virgin Mary and Saint John. The Calvary, also known as the “Golgotha” is the place where Jesus’s crucifixion occurred, as described in the New Testament. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the Christian faith and history. The statue is also considered a symbol of the sacrifice and redemption of Jesus Christ.

Statue of St. Anne

The Statue of St. Anne on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. She is known for her devotion to God, maternal love, and role in the lineage of Jesus Christ. The statue shows her holding the young Virgin Mary and a book, symbolizing her devotion to God and her role as a mother. It’s one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. Saint Anne’s feast day is celebrated on July 26.

Statue of St. Cyril and St. Methodius

The Statue of St. Cyril and St. Methodius on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts two Catholic saints, Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, who are admired as patron saints of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. They were brothers, monks, and a missionary, known for their devotion to God, their missionary work, and their role in the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe. They’re credited with creating the Slavic alphabet and translating the Bible into the Slavic language. The statue shows them holding a book and a cross, symbolizing their devotion to God and their role as missionaries. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. Their feast day is celebrated on July 5th.

Statue of St. John the Baptist

The Statue of St. John the Baptist on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus Christ, venerated as a saint in the Christian tradition. He is known for his devotion to God, his role as a prophet, and his baptism of Jesus Christ. The statue shows him holding a cross and a lamb, symbolizing his devotion to God and his role as a prophet. The art’s one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. The feast day of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24th.

Statue of Saints Norbert, Wenceslas and Sigismund

The Statue of Saints Norbert of Xanten, Wenceslas, and Sigismund on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts three Catholic saints, Saint Norbert of Xanten, Saint Wenceslas, and Saint Sigismund. Saint Norbert of Xanten is the founder of the Premonstratensians, a religious order known as the Norbertines, Saint Wenceslas, mentioned prior, is a 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, and Saint Sigismund is a 15th-century King of Hungary. They are venerated for their devotion to God, charitable works, and role as leaders in their respective countries. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue of St. John of Nepomuk

The Statue of St. John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint John of Nepomuk, a 14th-century Czech Priest, and Martyr who’s the patron saint of the Czech Republic. He is known for his devotion to God, his role as a confessor, and his martyrdom. He was thrown from Charles Bridge by King Wenceslas IV of Bohemia for refusing to reveal the confessional secrets of Queen Sophia. The statue shows him holding a cross and a book, symbolizing his devotion to God and his role as a priest. The monument is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue of St. Anthony of Padua

The Statue of St. Anthony of Padua on Charles Bridge in Prague displays Saint Anthony of Padua, a Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church, who’s shown as the patron saint of lost and stolen items. He is known for his devotion to God, his sermons, and his miracles. The statue shows him holding the child Jesus and a book, symbolizing his commitment to God and his role as a preacher. The piece is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. The feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua is celebrated on June 13th.

Statue of St. Jude Thaddeus

The Statue of St. Jude Thaddeus on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Jude Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the patron saint of hopeless and desperate cases. He is known for his devotion to God and his role as an apostle. The statue shows him holding a book and a spear, symbolizing his loyalty to God and his role as an apostle. The art is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl and it is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. The feast day of Saint Jude Thaddeus is celebrated on October 28th.

Statue of St. Augustine

The Statue of St. Augustine on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Augustine of Hippo, a Christian bishop, philosopher, and theologian. He is considered one of the most significant figures in the development of Western Christianity, and is known for his conversion to Christianity and his influential writings, specifically his “Confessions” and “City of God”. The statue shows him holding a book, symbolizing his devotion to God and his role as a bishop. The art is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl & is crafted from sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. The feast day of Saint Augustine is celebrated on August 28th.

Statue of St. Cajetan

The Statue of St. Cajetan on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Cajetan of Thiene, a Catholic priest and founder of the Theatines, a religious order known for its charitable works. He is known for his devotion to God, his role as a founder of a religious order, and his charitable works. The statue shows him holding a book and a rosary, symbolizing his devotion to God and his role as a priest. The artwork is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl & is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history. The feast day of Saint Cajetan is celebrated on August 7th.

Statue of St. Philip Benitius

The Statue of St. Philip Benitius on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Philip Benitius, a Catholic priest, who is venerated as a martyr and patron saint of Prague. He was a missionary who preached in Prague and was murdered in the 14th century during the persecution of the Church by King Wenceslas IV of Bohemia. The statue shows him holding a cross and a book, symbolizing his devotion to God and his role as a priest. The piece is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl & is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statuary of St. Vitus

The Statuary of St. Vitus on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr and patron saint of the Czech Republic, who is venerated for his devotion to God and his role as a martyr. He is said to have been a Christian martyr & his feast day is celebrated on June 15th. He is often depicted as a young boy, holding a cross and a book. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Jan Jiří Bendl & is made of sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Statue of the Holy Savior with Cosmas and Damian

The Statue of the Holy Savior with Cosmas and Damian on Charles Bridge in Prague depicts the Holy Saviour on the top, with two figures of saint twins Cosmas and Damian at the base. The Holy Saviour represents Jesus Christ, who is the savior of humanity, and the two saints, Cosmas and Damian, are venerated as patron saints of healers and doctors. They are known for their devotion to God and their miraculous healing powers. The statue is one of the many statues that decorate the Charles Bridge, a famous landmark that spans the Vltava River. It was created in the 18th century by the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun & is sculpted from sandstone. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Czech culture and history.

Fun facts

In the construction and decoration of the bridge, the architects incorporated many symbolic appearances that were supposed to guarantee a happy future for the structure. To lighten the serious symbolism, they also placed a few funny scenes. Here are some of them. 

A monk and a nun

A sculpture of a monk and a nun is placed in the corners of the bridge tower. In one scene, the monk is reaching his hand up the nun’s skirt. In the second scene, he is reaching for her breast. 

The eagle and the lion

This scene is also in the lower part of the bridge tower, which we call the sphere of vice. Here we see an eagle stealing a hare and carrying it away in its nest. At the other side there is a lion catching a rabbit. 

Charles IV holding a great thing in his hand 

On the square in front of the bridge gate stands a statue of King Charles IV holding the founding charter of Charles University. The founding of the university was a great thing. There was only one university at that time, and that was in Bologna. But if we look at the statue from a different perspective, it seems that King Charles IV is holding another great thing…

Screaming witch

On the gate on Prague castle side of the bridge we can find a statue of a furious witch on a church. This is the essential symbolism of the so-called gargoyles. The gargoyle is the ancestor of the eaves, where the rainwater flowed off the roofs of important buildings. Symbolically speaking, evil and misfortune usually leave through the mouth of the monster. In the case of the Charles Bridge, the witch screams in fine weather, but on rainy days she literally vomits.