My TIP

The bridge is freely accessible. I recommend a visit early in the morning. It's really well visited and you can avoid the crowds.

At both ends of the bridge are accessible towers with stunning views of Hradčany and the centre of Prague.

Explore Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge, also known as Karlův most in Czech, is a historic stone arch bridge that spans the Vltava river in Prague.

Charles Bridge is a famed 14th-century stone bridge linking the Old Town with Lesser Town across the Vltava River. Commissioned by King Charles IV, it's renowned for its architectural beauty and the alley of 30 baroque statues of saints that adorn it, including the notable St. John of Nepomuk. A symbol of Prague's rich history and a popular spot for both locals and tourists, the bridge offers stunning views of the city's skyline and has become a cultural and artistic hub.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about Charles Bridge relates to its foundation stone. According to legend, Emperor Charles IV ordered the first stone to be laid in 1357, on July 9th at 5:31 in the morning. This time was not chosen at random. When the numbers of this date and time are arranged in a sequence, they create a palindromic sequence of 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1, which was supposed to give the structure extra strength and stability. This carefully chosen constellation was reportedly in line with astrological predictions and was meant to bring good fortune and longevity to the bridge. Whether or not there's truth to this legend, Charles Bridge has indeed withstood the test of time and the elements for more than 660 years.