Prague, Charles bridge

(3 photos)

Built in 1342, the Karluv Most, the Charles Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge that was adorned with 75 statues and statue groups in the 1700s. In order to preserve the original statues, they have been placed in the large subterranean storage area, and replicas now line the bridge. Charles Bridge has survived many floods, most recently in August 2002 when the country experienced the worst flood in the past 500 years

One year a vendor on the Bridge was selling marionettes. Emmy pulled a few strings, then later wondered why she hadn’t bought one. On our next visit to Prague, she again saw the puppets she liked, so she bought Pinocchio, but she couldn’t find a Geppetto (his maker) marionette, to go with it.

We did enjoy the dozen musical groups, and the many street vendors that lined Prague’s tourist-filled Charles Bridge. The Bridge is usually packed with tourists and Czechs alike, especially during the spring and summer months. Expect an endless variety of artists and street musicians. But be aware of who brushes against you, they might try to pick your pocket.
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The two-story bridge tower is lavishly decorated and carved with sculptures of the Emperor, his son Wenceslas, and Saint Vitus. The dome and steeple just left of the bridge tower, is the St. Nicholas Church. Just to the left and a couple of blocks further, is the US Embassy.

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Another view of the bridge statues, with the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle, on top of the hill in the distance.