Which famous bridge in Prague, completed in 1402, is named after King Charles IV?

Charles Bridge is the famous Prague bridge completed in 1402 and named after King Charles IV.

The stone bridge crosses the Vltava River and connects Prague’s Old Town with the Lesser Town. Construction began in 1357 under Charles IV, replacing the earlier Judith Bridge, which had been damaged by a flood in 1342. The bridge was completed under Wenceslaus IV.

Charles Bridge is known for its historic towers and a continuous gallery of Baroque statues, most of which were installed from the late 17th century onward. The statues are replicas in many cases, while originals are preserved in museums to protect them from weather and pollution.

A common mix-up is confusing Charles Bridge with Prague’s nearby Legion Bridge, which is a much later crossing. Charles Bridge is also often associated with the number 1357 because its foundation stone was traditionally laid on 9 July 1357 at 5:31 a.m., a sequence chosen for its numerological symmetry.