Prague's Charles Bridge

Built in the 14th century, the Charles Bridge is one of Prague's most visited attractions.

It connects Old Town and Malá Strana, also know as Lesser Town. The bridge is famous for its beautiful decorative towers and statues. It has survived numerous floods and countless wars, but has never crumbled; legend says egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the concrete.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the evening when crowds are sparse. During the day, however, is not a bad time to visit. Street performers sing their hearts out and vendors line the sides of the bridge selling souvenirs.

Two towers, one on each side of the bridge, are open for visitors to climb and get a breathtaking view of Prague. Along the bridge are approximately 30 statues, made during the Baroque period. The most famous statue, the eighth on the right as visitors walk towards Old Town, is that of St. John of Nepomuk. The priest was thrown into the Vltava River off the Charles Bridge when he refused to tell Wenceslas IV what the queen said during a confession and is now considered a Czech martyr.

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