Visit Charles Bridge: The Most Famous Bridge in Prague – with video
Charles bridge is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in the world. It spans the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic and is a symbol of the city.
It was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest preserved bridges in Europe. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues of saints and is a popular tourist attraction.
Here’s my video of my day and night visit to the bridge and there is a link to the 360 video at the end of the blog as well as recommendations on how best to view it in 360.
I visited Prague on a group tour and walked back and forth over the bridge several times over the 3 days I was there.
It is also a popular place for locals to stroll, relax, and enjoy the views. Charles bridge is well-known for its unique atmosphere, and it is definitely worth a visit if you are ever in Prague.
Best of Prague: City Walking Tour, Boat Cruise, and Typical Czech Lunch
If you click the link it will also give you other similar tour options.
History and Facts of Charles Bridge in Prague
It is fortified on both sides with bridge towers, the Lesser Town Bridge Tower on the west, and the Old Town Bridge Tower to the east. The bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town through 16 arches and is 2,031 feet long and 33 feet wide.
Between 1683 and 1928, 30 sculptures were placed on the bridge piers, the most famous being that of St. John of Nepomuk from 1683, which is said to bring good luck if touched. The royal road of the Bohemian kings also led across Charles Bridge to Prague Castle.
The construction of Charles Bridge began in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and it was completed in the early 15th century. The bridge replaced an older wooden structure that had been destroyed by floods in 1342. It quickly became an important part of Prague’s cityscape and remains one of its most iconic landmarks to this day.
Statues on Charles Bridge
The central section of Charles Bridge is lined with 30 statues of saints and patron saints, which were installed between 1683 and 1928. The most famous statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk, which can be found on the fifth pillar on the right-hand side as you cross from Old Town to Lesser Town.
According to legend, the saint was executed by order of King Wenceslaus IV and thrown into the Vltava River. As he sank to the bottom, he is said to have made a sign of the cross over the king. The king regretted his decision and placed a statue of St. John on the bridge in 1683 as a sign of penance.
If you’re ever in Prague and decide to cross the Charles Bridge, it’s said to rub the statue will bring good luck.
In fact, in my picture below, you will see that those areas have been polished clean by tourists 🙂
Truth be told, over the years, all the original statues have been removed and replaced with replicas, with the originals placed in museums.
In fact, a few lie within Vysehrad, where I shot a 360 video as well in another blog.
Towers on both sides of bridge
The Old Town Bridge Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Prague. Located on the east side of the Vltava River, it has served as a symbol of the city for centuries.
The tower was built in the 14th century, and originally served as part of the Old Town castle complex. Today, tourists visit the observation deck which offers stunning views of Prague Castle and the Old Town Square.
Here’s my blog and 360 video of Old Town Square, which is a top destination in Prague as well.
Just across the river from the Old Town Bridge Tower is the Lesser Town Bridge Tower. Built in 1591, it is slightly younger than its counterpart.
However, it is no less impressive, and its Renaissance-style architecture is a testament to the wealth and power of early modern Prague. The Lesser Town Bridge Tower also has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city.
Charles Bridge museum
The Charles Bridge Museum is located just steps from the famous Charles Bridge on the east side. The museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from the 14th to the 19th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics.
Visitors can also learn about the history of the bridge itself and see how it has been repaired and restored over the years. They can also see a model of the Charles Bridge.
With its fascinating collection and central location, the Charles Bridge Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Prague.
Royal Route over bridge to Prague Castle
Prague Castle has been a royal residence since the 9th century, and for centuries, the kings of Bohemia crossed Charles Bridge to reach the castle on their coronation route.
The king’s route to the castle would have taken him through Old Town Square, where he would have been greeted by cheering crowds.
From there, he would have continued up Castle Hill, passing through the gates of Prague Castle and into the royal residence.
Here is my link to my blog and 360 video of Prague Castle.
Today, tourists can follow this same route and imagine what it was like to be a king crossing Charles Bridge on his way to Prague Castle.
Tourists and Entertainment
Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is not uncommon to see it crammed full of people during peak tourist season. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try crossing early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer people around.
There will be artists and musicians on the bridge as well, but the prices will be higher due to being right on the bridge.
And of course, sunrise and sunset are amazing times for views from the bridge, and even at night with the lights from Prague castle above.
Conclusion
No trip to Prague is complete without a visit and walk across Charles Bridge! This iconic landmark has been a part of Prague’s cityscape for over 600 years and is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during sunrise or sunset, you’ll be treated to a truly spectacular sight as the sun casts its rays over this historic bridge and get amazing views of the castle above.
Take a look at my extended article on first time visit to Prague for more info and videos of the city.
360 Video Virtual Travel
Here is the 360 version of the travel video tour.
360 VR is a wonderful way to visit and experience locations before you go or to see places you may never go to in person. My 360 video provides a more realistic and immersive view of the surroundings than static pictures or regular videos.
To get the best experience, I suggest watching it on YouTube on your computer with the resolution set to maximum. If you have a VR headset, I recommend sitting in a swivel chair to look around.
Here is my article on tips on how to watch 360 VR travel videos.
Remember to swipe or move phone/tablet around to look around in 360.
And use mouse to look around on desktop.
