Cross Charles Bridge in Prague
The Czech Republic's Vltava River is crossed in the capital by beaut
Oct 9, 2006
Every visit I make to Prague features the Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) in one form or another. Crossing it at misty dawn, jostling through the mid-afternoon tourists to check the art stalls, or paddling near it on a Vltava River paddleboat, I’ve photographed it from every angle and consider it my centre of Prague.
History of Prague’s Charles Bridge
Like many wonderful parts of Prague, the Charles Bridge is old, dating from 1357. It joins the Old Town (Staré Mesto) and the suburb of Malá Strana (Little Quarter), and until 1841 it was in fact the only crossing for Prague citizens who wanted to reach the other side of the Vltava. The bridge features thirty photogenic statues from the 1700s, mostly depicting saints and patron saints of the time.
Visiting Charles Bridge
Whether you just want to stand on the bridge and look back towards Prague's Old Town, down the river or up at the Prague Castle complex on the other side, or you plan to cross it and explore the other side of the city, there are many ways to visit Charles Bridge. Unfortunately, as with many parts of Prague, the danger is that the enjoyment can be ruined by an overdose of other tourists and tour groups.
I recommend – if you can stand it – getting up early one morning during your stay in Prague to enjoy the bridge more or less alone. Even on a cold winter morning, braving the freeze is very rewarding, and if you have a slightly foggy morning then the romantic photos you can take will give a perfect and enduring memory. At other times of day, be prepared to walk through the crowds and take it slowly, enjoying a browse through the dozens of art stalls and entertainers set up along each side of the bridge.
Near Charles Bridge
On the Malá Strana side, you can climb the bridge tower for a small fee and a great view. Nearby, follow streams of young pilgrims to the John Lennon wall, an ever-changing collection of graffiti, all in memory of the Beatles singer. Back at the bridge be sure to check for the flood marks from various floods over the centuries – Prague regularly suffers from floods, and you only need to think back a couple of years to remember news pictures of flooding in 2002.
