Charles Bridge has connected one side of Prague to the other for about 600 years. Even though several bridges now cross the Vltava River, this stretch of history is by far the most ornate and lively of the bunch.
According to historical legend, Charles IV laid the first stone himself thus beginning a five decade journey of bridge building. Originally called the Stone Bridge, it was the only means of crossing the Vltava River until 1841.
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Photo by: c.b.w. 2008
The Old Town Bridge Tower offers an astonishing entrance to Charles Bridge. If Charles IV meant to shock and awe all those who entered his realm, he achieved his goal!
Old Town Tower Entrance to Charles Bridge
Photo by: c.b.w. 2008
Along this tribute to gothic and baroque architecture are more than thirty statues. Most were erected in the 1700s, but have since been replaced with replicas. The bridge may be sturdy, but the artwork, clearly is not!
The length of Charles Bridge
Photo by: c.b.w. 2008
One of many statues along Charles Bridge
Photo by: c.b.w. 2008
The view of The Old Quarter and surrounding and environs makes the bridge a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. During the day, Charles Bridge is lined with artisans, musicians, and painters.
A band plays on Charles Bridge
Photo by: c.b.w. 2008
Crowds can make traversing the bridge difficult, but by evening it’s a smooth stroll with a magnificent view of Prague Castle.
Prague Castle at night
Photo by: c.b.w. 2008
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Part of the A to Z Challenge!
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c.b.w. 2013
C.B. Wentworth 
Thank you CB for he connection to Charles Bridge in Prague – a place that I so want to visit. Your photos are magnificent thank you and increases my yearning.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the pictures! Prague is a magnificent place and I hope you get there one day.
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Thanks — that’s an area I haven’t been yet and it sounds interesting.
http://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
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It is fascinating – there’s something beautiful in every corner. 🙂
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Fantastic pictures and picture choices. I hears that Prague was beautiful and now i see they were right.
Thank you for sharing!!
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Thank you! 🙂 I went to Prague on a whim and it turned out to be a great decision!
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Fascinating – another place on my list!
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You would have such a wonderful time in Prague. It’s a feast for the photographer’s eye. 🙂
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How did you pick one of my favorites places on earth? My husband and I lived in the Czech Republic for a year and Prague is a very special city. Loved the pictures – takes me there!
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Oh, I’d love to live there for a little while. It felt so much like home! 🙂
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Wow. What a beautiful place.
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One of my favorite places on earth! 🙂
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Thank you for the beautiful sights of places and things I’ll never actually see! – Barbara
Life & Faith in Caneyhead
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You never know, you might get there one day. 🙂
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I absolutely love old architecture. The tower entrance is so regal. Too bad the statues have deteriorated over the years. I suppose it’s because they were made of softer stone than the bridge in order for the artist(s) to carve them. The night shot of the castle in the background is gorgeous! 🙂
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Pollution doesn’t help that softer stone, either! Most of Europe is restored one way or another, but I love how it is important to maintain the Old World look. It’s nice to know there are people that value tradition in balance with modernization.
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Great pics! I was there a few years ago and definitely a lovely atmosphere.
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I’m hoping to go back. Along with London, I felt very at home in Prague. 🙂
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I always love to see your photos. It makes me want to travel again.
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Yay!! I hope you go on an adventure soon! 🙂
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I’m actually going to NC next week. I’ll have to go into the mountains and take some pictures.
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Ooooo, that sounds like fun! 🙂
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I bet you can guess what I’m whistling at this moment.
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😀
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How beautiful and awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing a piece of overseas with me.
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/
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Glad you enjoyed the virtual tour! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
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Prague is on my must-see list of places to go 😀
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It is an amazing place and I hope you get there! 🙂
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I would LOVE to go see this in person! It sounds (and looks) like a wonderful place to visit.
TaMara
Tales of a Pee Dee Mama
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Prague is one of those cities that has such a unique personality. The history, culture, and atmosphere make it a really special place. 🙂
Thanks for visiting!
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Your narrative and photos brings back memories of the Pont Alexandre III in Paris. Like you, I was fascinated by the sculptures and details and history!
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I wish I had more pictures of the sculptures along the bridge! They were so interesting and I wanted to know the story behind each and every one. Perhaps, I’ll have to go back! 🙂
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LOVE this! That picture of the sunset is AWESOME!!!
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I have varying degrees of that sunset photograph. My favorite is one where the sky is a little darker and the pink brighter. 🙂
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I love pictures of other countries as I may not ever get to travel to all the places I desire.
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Hopefully, the rest of the challenge will be full of pictures of places you’d like to visit! 🙂
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I will probably be able to post by the end with a list of countries and towns to visit before I die.
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I am loving this series!
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I’m so glad! I’m having a lot of fun digging up old memories. 🙂
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