The Jetpacker

Charles Bridge is the iconic image of Prague.  It may not be as famous as Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower, but it’s just as important and just as beautiful.

Charles Bridge is almost a third of a mile long, spanning the River Vltava and connecting the two sides of Prague (Lesser Quarter on the west and Old Town on the east).  Building was completed in the early 15th century, over 50 years after it began. One little-known fact about the bridge is that eggs were used in the mortar to bind the stone blocks tighter.

During the day, artists and musicians set up shop on the bridge to make money off of tourists.  In the evening, the bridge is quieter and more romantic.  When we were there, one side of the bridge was closed due to a renovation project (construction is expected to last until 2010), so the walkway was crammed with pedestrians.  But it was worth it for the fantastic views of Prague Castle and the River Vltava.

Fully crossing the bridge will take you underneath two towers: Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town Towers.  The Old Town Bridge Tower is a remarkably ornate structure, and the eastern facade has remained uncharacteristically well-preserved since its completion over 600 years ago; the western side, on the other hand, is still damaged from a Swedish military invasion in 1648.

The tower is adorned with the coat of arms of the lands of the Bohemian kingdom, and the three statues above the archway are of St. Vitus, Charles IV and Wenceslas IV.  You can walk up 138 stairs to an observation deck for a great view of Old Town and the Vltava River year round.

The Lesser Town Towers on the other side of Charles Bridge contain less history than the Old Town Bridge Tower (even though it’s older), but during spring and summer you can visit an observation deck and see an exhibition detailing the history of the bridge.

The main attractions on the Charles Bridge are 30 statues, almost all of which depict various Catholic saints.  The most famous statue belongs to St. John of Nepomuk.  By the order of Wenceslas, King of Bohemia, John was thrown to his death from Charles Bridge in 1393.

Now, his misfortune is your source of good luck: legend has it that rubbing the reliefs below the statue will bestow good luck.  A lot of people must believe that because while the statue is turning green from rust, the reliefs look as smooth as polished bronze thanks to thousands of hands that touch them every day.

Check out a list detailing all 30 statues here.