Prague is the European city famous for the Charles Bridge crossing the Vltava River.
The Charles Bridge connects Prague's Old Town with the area historically known as Lesser Town. Construction began in 1357 under the reign of Charles IV, the king of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. It replaced the earlier Judith Bridge, which had been damaged by a flood.
The medieval stone bridge is about 516 metres long and is supported by 16 arches. Its towers and statues give it a distinctive appearance, although many of the statues seen today are Baroque additions from the late 17th and 18th centuries. The original bridge carried wheeled traffic, but it is now primarily a pedestrian landmark.
Prague is sometimes confused with Budapest when visitors think of famous Central European river crossings. Budapest's best-known historic bridge is the Chain Bridge over the Danube, whereas the Charles Bridge spans the Vltava in the Czech capital.