Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, is known as the City of a Hundred Spires and with a lot of history. The city was built around the Vltava river separating the old town also called Lesser Town and the Little Side on the west bank of the river. The historical Charles bridge is the link between these parts of Prague and is used today as a pedestrian bridge. The famous bridge is centuries old and has several statues on either sides. Many tourists walk on the bridge during the day and you should go at night or very early in the morning if you want to see or photograph this great monument without too many people around. Click here for a 360° virtual tour of Prague at Charles bridge. Photography by Jean-Pierre Lavoie and all rights reserved. Please contact us for panoramic images and VR content licensing.
Erected in the 14th century, the Charles Bridge straddles the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town of Prague with the Malá Strana district at the foot of Prague Castle Hill. Walking on Charles Bridge and its polished stones by the many steps of passers-by gives the impression of going back in time. It is a bit like literally going through centuries of history from the time of the Royal Way of the Bohemian Kings through the Second World War to today’s modernity.
The number of sculptures lining the path of the pedestrian bridge surprises at first. There are about thirty statues carved in stone that scrutinize the comings and goings of all people on the bridge, locals or tourists walking by. The sculptures overlook the human activity of the bridge giving them an almost divine character just as silent observers would watch on the crowd like Big Brother.
This remarkable bridge is easily crossed as if the visitor was strolling through a real open-air museum overlooking the Vltava. The only obstacles are in fact people: tourists, citizens, musicians, art sellers or visitors taking photos or selfies. The Charles Bridge also gives many magnificent views of the buildings of the Czech capital. The city of Prague, built on a varied terrain, has several hills especially to the west where is the Prague Castle and to the north with the hill of Letna Park.
The Gothic tower on the side of Staré Město guard the eastern entrance of the bridge and offers at its summit a breathtaking 360° view of the city in all its entirety. It is indeed possible to buy a ticket at the foot of the tower that will give access to the summit after climbing the stairs. Looking towards the east uncovers the Old Town with the new modern city in the distance on the horizon. You can also see from above the other bridges of the city that cross the Vltava, then the Malá Strana district to the west. A small replica of the Eiffel Tower, Petrin tower, overlooks the hill. Completing the viewing circle towards the north, unveils the hill of Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral and its steeples that dash into the sky.
More from Prague: You may be interested to read more from Prague in our story and virtual tour of Prague Castle.