What ornate bridge in Prague connects the Old Town with Malá Strana?

Charles Bridge is the ornate Prague bridge that connects the city’s Old Town with Malá Strana, also called the Lesser Town. It crosses the Vltava River and is one of Prague’s most recognizable historic landmarks.

Construction began in 1357 under the Holy Roman Emperor and Bohemian king Charles IV, after the earlier Judith Bridge was badly damaged by a flood. The medieval bridge formed an important route between Prague Castle, the royal district, and the Old Town. It also became part of the traditional coronation route used by Bohemian kings.

The bridge is about 516 metres long and rests on 16 arches. Its towers helped defend and mark the crossing, while the famous line of 30 statues was installed mainly during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Most statues visible today are replicas protecting the originals from weather damage.

Charles Bridge was Prague’s only fixed Vltava crossing until 1841. That historical role distinguishes it from other famous European bridges such as Venice’s Rialto Bridge or the Bridge of Sighs.