Old Town

Charles Bridge, which connects the left and right embankments of the Vltava River, is the oldest bridge in Prague.

Every day many tourists and locals cross and admire this gorgeous architectural gem. Charles IV lay the main stone of this bridge on July 9th 1357 at 5:31 a.m. on the recommendation of royal astronomers who felt the date and time were auspicious. In fact, you can find the cipher 1357531 engraved on the Old Town Bridge Tower. Construction of Charles Bridge, originally known simply as Stone Bridge, was lead by the renowned architect Petr Parléř and was completed in the 15th century. Charles Bridge is lined by 30 statues and sculptures, replicas of originals, which date back to the 17th century. You can find the original statues in The Lapidarium of the National Museum.