The Origins of Charles Bridge History and Statues

The story of the bridge began in 1357. King Charles IV laid the first foundation stone himself. Legend says he chose the exact time based on astrology. The date and time formed a numerical bridge: 1357-9-7-5-31. This sequence was believed to give the bridge great strength. For centuries, it was the only way to cross the river. It survived many floods and wars throughout its long life.

Construction workers allegedly used eggs in the mortar. They believed the proteins would make the structure stronger. While this sounds like a myth, modern tests found organic matter in the stones. You can learn more about these fascinating tales at the official city tourism portal. The bridge remained quite plain for the first few centuries. It was not until the baroque era that the statues appeared.

Between 1683 and 1714, the bridge transformed into a religious gallery. Most of the Charles Bridge history and statues date back to this period. Local artists created thirty distinct figures to inspire the public. Today, most of the statues on the bridge are high-quality replicas. The originals are kept in the National Museum to protect them from weather. You can still see the meaning of statues on Charles Bridge Prague by observing their unique symbols.

12 Essential Sights on Charles Bridge

To truly appreciate this landmark, you must know what to look for. Each statue and tower has a unique story. Here are the top items to include in your walking tour. These picks cover the best viewpoints, history, and local legends.

• Best overall: Statue of St. John of Nepomuk
• Best for families: Old Town Bridge Tower
• Best rainy-day: Charles Bridge Museum
• Best free: A sunrise walk across the bridge

1. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in the world. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Old Town side entrance. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the climb. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Try climbing the Charles Bridge towers for views right before sunset.
2. Name: Statue of St. John of Nepomuk Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the oldest and most famous statue on the bridge. Best for: People seeking good luck. Where: Middle of the bridge, north side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located halfway across the bridge. Tip: Touch the bronze plaque of the falling priest for a guaranteed return to Prague.
3. Name: Crucifix and Calvary Type: Religious monument Why go: This gold-leafed cross is a striking landmark against the sky. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Third statue on the right from Old Town. Tip: Look for the Hebrew lettering, which has a controversial and interesting backstory.
4. Name: Statue of St. Luthgard Type: Artistic masterpiece Why go: It is widely considered the most artistically valuable statue on the bridge. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near the Lesser Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: South side of the bridge. Tip: Notice the fine details of the blind nun having a vision of Christ.
5. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: Architectural gate Why go: These two towers mark the entrance to the charming Malá Strana district. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Lesser Town side entrance. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk through; fee for tower climb. Getting there: Walk across from Old Town. Tip: The smaller tower is actually older than the bridge itself.
6. Name: Statue of St. Anthony of Padua Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful depiction of the patron saint of lost things. Best for: Traditional baroque art. Where: North side of the bridge. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by walking the main path. Tip: Look for the lily in the saint's hand, a symbol of purity.
7. Name: Statue of St. Jude Thaddeus Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. Best for: Spiritual reflection. Where: North side of the bridge. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the Lesser Town. Tip: He is often seen holding a club, the instrument of his martyrdom.
8. Name: The Bruncvík Statue Type: Legendary figure Why go: This statue stands on a pier below the bridge level. Best for: Fans of local folklore. Where: Near Kampa Island stairs. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look over the side near the Lesser Town. Tip: Legend says his magical sword is hidden inside the bridge's masonry.
9. Name: Statue of St. Francis Xavier Type: Sight Why go: This massive group statue shows the saint with people from different continents. Best for: Seeing complex sculptural groups. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Middle section of the bridge. Tip: The sculptor included his own face among the figures.
10. Name: Statue of St. Augustine Type: Sight Why go: A classic example of the high baroque style in Prague. Best for: History students. Where: North side of the bridge. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Lesser Town towers. Tip: He is shown holding a burning heart, symbolizing his passion for faith.
11. Name: Kampa Island Stairs Type: Experience Why go: These stairs lead directly from the bridge to the peaceful Kampa Island. Best for: Escaping the bridge crowds. Where: Lesser Town side. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the south side of the bridge. Tip: Use these stairs to find a quiet park and great river views.
12. Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: Museum Why go: It offers deep insights into the engineering and history of the bridge. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Křižovnické Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Right next to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: The museum is located in the basement of a former monastery.

Tips for Exploring Charles Bridge History and Statues

Visiting this landmark requires a bit of planning to avoid the heavy crowds. During the day, the bridge is packed with tourists and vendors. If you want a peaceful experience, arrive before 7:00 AM. This is the best time to walk across Charles Bridge for photos without people. The morning light also makes the statues look incredible. You can see the details of the stone carvings clearly.

Watch out for pickpockets in the dense crowds during peak hours. Keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings. While the bridge is safe, it is a prime spot for opportunistic theft. You should also take time to look down at the river. You might see the local swans or tour boats passing underneath. The view from the bridge toward the Prague Castle complex is world-class.

Finally, remember that the bridge is a living monument. It undergoes regular maintenance to preserve its structure. You might see scaffolding on certain statues or sections of the wall. This work ensures that future generations can enjoy the Charles Bridge history and statues. After your walk, consider exploring the historic towers and viewpoints in Prague for a different perspective. The city looks stunning from every angle.