Charles Bridge

The first stone bridge over the Vltava, replacing a wooden construction, was built between 1158 and 1732 during the reign of King Vladislav I. This bridge, named Judith bridge collapsed in 1342.

In 1357, Charles IV started the construction of a new bridge. The supervisor of the project was Peter Parler, who also constructed the chancel of the St. Vitus Cathedral. The Charles Bridge, named after King Charles, was 502 meters long. Resting on 16 arches it was wide enough for 4 carriages to cross at the same time and would be the only permanent link between both riversides.

Until 1683, there was no statue on the bridge. The statue of St. John of Nepomuk was the first one placed on the Charles Bridge, resulting in the total of about 30 sculptures presently decorating the Charles Bridge.

On the Lesser Town end of the Charles Bridge are two bridge towers. The smaller one is a 12th century remainder of the Judith Bridge. The taller, Late Gothic tower was erected in 1464 on the orders of King George of Podebrady who wanted a counterweight to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Foundation of this Late Gothic tower was started in 1370 and finished around 1400. The beautiful sculptures decorating this tower were created by Peter Parler.