Bridge · Charles Bridge and Prague Castle

Charles Bridge

Prague's oldest stone bridge, founded by Charles IV

Charles Bridge is one of the most visited Prague landmarks. Rightly so — it is also the oldest stone bridge in Prague and the second oldest preserved bridge in the Czech Republic.

Which cruises pass by All bridges on the map

Sightseeing cruises2–3 hour cruisesDevil's Channel cruisesDetail of the illustrated cruise map · Illustrative route · the actual course depends on river conditions.

At a glance

Facts from the page text

Architect: Petr Parléř
Length: 516 m
Width: 10 m
Statues: 30 statues and one cross

It is named after its founder, Charles IV, who had it built in 1342 on the site of the demolished Judith Bridge. He entrusted the construction of the Gothic bridge to the just twenty-seven-year-old architect Petr Parléř. It was completed at the start of the 15th century. It became world-famous mainly thanks to the combination of strict Gothic and monumental Baroque sculptural decoration. A total of 30 statues and one cross were placed on it over the course of 300 years. Among the best known is the sculptural group by Matyáš Bernard Braun.

The famous Royal Route led across the bridge. It was also militarily important — the Swedes attacked Prague across it in 1648. In the past, horse trams, regular trams, buses and even cars used the bridge. Today, however, it is reserved for pedestrians only. The bridge is 516 metres long and 10 metres wide. It rests on 16 piers and is built of sandstone blocks. In 2010, its extensive reconstruction was completed.

Charles Bridge is also a popular spot for the first wedding kiss. You can admire its arches from the deck of our boats and steamboats on one of our regular cruises.

Did you know?

Things you may not know

A young architect
Charles IV entrusted the Gothic bridge to Petr Parléř, who was just twenty-seven at the time.
Gothic meets Baroque
Its fame rests on strict Gothic architecture combined with monumental Baroque sculpture added over 300 years.
The Swedish attack
It was militarily important too – the Swedes attacked Prague across it in 1648.
Pedestrians only
Horse trams, trams, buses and even cars once used it; today it is reserved for pedestrians.

Which cruises pass by