Plizio Visual Lab
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge, Prague's most iconic landmark, spans the Vltava River to connect the Old Town with the Lesser Town. Its construction began in 1357 under the patronage of King Charles IV and was overseen by Peter Parler. This stone bridge replaced the earlier Judith Bridge, which had been swept away by floods. Stretching over 500 meters and supported by 16 arches, it is a masterpiece of Gothic engineering. The bridge is famous for the 30 statues that line its length, most of which were added during the Baroque period and depict various saints, including St. John of Nepomuk. The Old Town Bridge Tower is frequently cited as one of the most historical Gothic towers in Europe. For centuries, the Charles Bridge was the primary crossing point in Prague and a stage for major historical events. Today, it is a pedestrian-only zone that attracts millions of visitors who come to experience its notable atmosphere, street performers, and significant views of Prague Castle. It remains an enduring symbol of Bohemia's Golden Age and a testament to medieval architectural ingenuity.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Charles Bridge · Muzeum Bedřicha Smetany · Old Town Bridge Tower
- Nearby: Lužiny Housing Estate (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 42 | 32 | 39 | 36 | 69 | 78 | 79 | 81 | 53 | 46 | 43 | 41 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in 1357 at 5:31 AM on July 9th.
- Named after King Charles IV, who commissioned the project.
- Features 30 predominantly Baroque statues added in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The oldest statue is of St. John of Nepomuk, dating to 1683.
- Constructed using sandstone blocks and supported by 16 arches.
- The Old Town Bridge Tower is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Charles Bridge (10)
Old Town Bridge Tower
Gothic tower at the Old Town end of Charles Bridge. Serves as a lookout point over Prague.
Divadlo Lávka
Small theatre at the foot of Charles Bridge. Hosts plays and musical evenings.
Judith Bridge
Remains of the Romanesque Judith Bridge, predecessor of Charles Bridge. Pillars visible in the water.
Kafka Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Prague's Herrenhaus. Exhibition on Franz Kafka's life and work.
Vinárna Čertovka
Wine bar in Lesser Town by the Čertovka canal. Known for traditional Czech cuisine.
Saint Francis Seraph
Baroque church at the Knights of the Cross Square. Belongs to the Order of the Cross with the Red Star.
Lichtenštejnský palác🏰 castle
Palace on Kampa Island. Houses the Museum of Czech Sculpture.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost money to cross the bridge?
When is the best time to visit?
How many statues are on the bridge?
Is the bridge accessible?
Is photography allowed on the bridge?
Charles Bridge: where is it located?
Charles Bridge: what is there to see?
Charles Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
Charles Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
