After walking through the Old Town and the Old Town Square, the path naturally led me to another symbol of Prague, the most famous symbol of the Czech Republic, the Charles Bridge. In this city, sights don't seem to be visited as planned, but rather find themselves as you walk and explore.
As I approached the bridge, I could see a crowd of people admiring this historical landmark. The bridge is not just any bridge; it is the bridge over which the kings crossed the Vltava River.
Quick Tips: If your trip ever takes you to Prague, make the most of the moment and don't worry if someone walks into your frame while you're taking photos - that's just part of experiencing a place full of historical sights. Be ready and patient to photograph one monument 30 times so that one photo turns out without anyone in the frame :D
Charles Bridge
The construction of Charles Bridge began in 1357, by order of the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, after whom the bridge was named. There is a legend that the exact date and time when construction began was carefully chosen according to numerology — 1357, July 9 at 5:31 a.m. — a series of numbers that read the same forwards and backwards.
The bridge was built as a replacement for an older bridge that was destroyed by a flood, and was the only crossing over the Vltava in Prague for centuries. Therefore, it had a huge strategic and commercial importance.
Stone by stone, Charles Bridge was built to last, and it did. It surpassed many modern bridges in terms of duration, and in my opinion, also in appearance.
One of the first things you notice as you walk across the bridge is the numerous statues and sculptures that adorn it. Most of them were installed between the 17th and 18th centuries and depict saints, martyrs and religious figures.
Each statue has its own story, but the most famous is the figure of Saint John Nepomuk. According to belief, touching the relief on his statue brings good luck and ensures a return to Prague. Regardless of whether you believe in the legends, you will notice that these very parts of the statue are worn from the touch of thousands of hands.
This is a statue of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV.
Charles Bridge offers one of the most beautiful views in Prague. The Vltava River flows calmly below, reflecting the buildings, towers and sky above the city. On one side, the view leads to the Old Town, on the other to the Lesser Town and Prague Castle.
I lingered in the middle of the bridge, watching passers-by, street artists and musicians. I absorbed, so to speak, the energy of Prague.
One of the strongest impressions while walking on Charles Bridge is the knowledge that kings, armies, merchants and ordinary people passed through here centuries ago. The bridge was part of the royal coronation processions, but also of the everyday life of the city.
Today, Charles Bridge is one of the most visited places in Prague. Crowds are almost inevitable, but even then, the bridge manages to retain its character. It is not difficult to find a moment to stop, take a photo or just look into the distance. Prague is a beautiful city, and it will not disappoint you. It is photogenic, so you will have a lot of nice photos with your friends, family or partner.
Near the Charles Bridge, there is a striking statue of the crucified Jesus Christ, which immediately attracts attention with its strong expression and symbolism. The cross, placed high, bears the Hebrew inscription "Holy, holy, holy, Lord of hosts", added in the 17th century as a sign of repentance and faith.
Prague would not be the same without this bridge. And my trip wouldn't be complete without this walk either.
I hope you enjoyed reading and looking at the photos. I enjoyed making this blog, I hope you did too. Until next time, "Regards!"