{"id":12169,"date":"2024-07-16T15:36:56","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T13:36:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/praguecruises.eu\/glossary\/charles-bridge\/"},"modified":"2025-01-29T20:24:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T19:24:59","slug":"charles-bridge","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/praguecruises.eu\/en\/glossary\/charles-bridge\/","title":{"rendered":"Charles Bridge"},"content":{"rendered":"

Charles Bridge is a historic stone bridge in Prague over the Vltava River. The bridge was built by order of Emperor Charles IV, and is one of the most famous monuments in the Czech Republic.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Charles Bridge is not only the oldest standing bridge over the Vltava River in Prague, but also one of the most important symbols of the city and the Czech Republic, making it a popular place for tourists and locals to enjoy its beauty and views of the Vltava River.<\/p>\n\n

Charles Bridge – the heart of old Prague<\/h2>\n
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The illuminated Charles Bridge in the heart of old Prague is a breathtaking spectacle.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The bridge is admired not only for its rich history, but also for the beautiful Gothic architecture and Baroque statues that adorn it.<\/h3>\n\n

The construction of the stone bridge began in 1357 under the auspices of Emperor Charles IV and was completed in 1402.It is 516 metres long and 9.5 metres wide. For many centuries the bridge was the only way to cross the Vltava River and was of great importance for trade and the life of the city. Thanks to the stone bridge, Prague became an important stop on the European trade routes. <\/p>\n\n

The bridge is a typical example of Gothic architecture with massive pillars and arches. Since the end of the 17th century, 30 mostly Baroque statues and sculptures were gradually placed on the bridge. Originally it was called just “stone” or “Prague”. The name “Charles Bridge” was not adopted until around 1870. <\/p>\n\n

Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town and is complemented by three entrance towers: the larger and smaller Lesser Town Bridge Tower on the Lesser Town side and the Old Town Bridge Tower on the Old Town side.<\/p>\n\n

History of Charles Bridge<\/h4>\n\n