The Charles Bridge - Prague

From a purely utilitarian standpoint, a bridge is nothing more than a way to get from here to there. But some bridges are special, like the Charles Bridge in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The structure was originally called the Stone Bridge, but now it's named in honor of King Charles IV. He commissioned the 2,037-foot-long bridge spanning the Vltava River in the year 1357. It replaced a bridge heavily damaged in a flood a few years earlier. A statue of the king stands near the entrance to the bridge on the Old Town side of the river. Legend says the king consulted numerologists to determine the most auspicious time to begin construction, and that was exactly 5.31 a.m. on the morning of July 9, 1357. The bridge, with its 16 arches and protective barriers, took about 40 years to complete. From the early 15th century until 1841, it was the only crossing point on the Vltava. The bridge has been the site of pitched battles, and the heads of traders and heretics have been displayed on it to keep order in the kingdom. It's impossible to know just how many have crossed the In modern times, Prague hosts 6.5 million visitors each year, and it's safe to assume that almost all of them have walked across the 500-yard-long bridge a time or two. During peak times of the year, the bridge is packed. Along the way, you can hear live music from very talented street performers. You can also shop for souvenirs, have your portrait drawn, or buy paintings and prints depicting the city called the City of a Hundred Spires. The Charles Bridge is not just a way to cross the river. It's a destination in its own right. It offers some of the best and most beautiful views of the Prague Castle and the cathedral overlooking the city, and the old and new towns on the opposite bank. It's also an art gallery, with 30 Baroque-style statues along the way, most with religious themes. The originals are now in a museum, replaced by faithful reproductions. The bridge is often used by religious pilgrims. One statue has special meaning to the city. It depicts St. John of Nipomuk. He was the confessor to the wife of King Wenceslaus IV. The jealous king observed the queen at confession one day and demanded to know what she said. When Bishop John refused to break the seal of confession, the king ordered him thrown from the bridge. Today, people rub the image of his martyrdom for good luck. Unfortunately, many also rub the other panel of the king, unknowingly canceling out any good fortune they might receive. St. John is always depicted with five stars, which are said to have appeared in the sky at the moment of his death. The saint is buried in an elaborate tomb, said to be covered by over a ton of silver in St. Vitus Cathedral on the grounds of the Prague Castle. To really get the full visual impact of the bridge, come after dark. The crowds are a little thinner, and the city lights and the illuminated castle are spectacular. You may even get to see fireworks over the river. Another great time to visit is just after sunrise, when the soft morning light turns everything golden. Don't be surprised to see professional photographers out to catch the golden hour, especially when they're shooting wedding photographs. You might also see joggers who aren't opposed to a little mugging for the camera, or early morning walkers who just want to enjoy the relative peace and quiet. The old city center of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world, and the Charles Bridge has a lot to do with that.