Charles Bridge

St. John of of NepomukMany statues line the bridge and the most famous of all is St. John of Nepomuk. St. John of Nepomuk was a martyr for the Catholic faith because he was executed by being thrown off the bridge. He was martyred because the Queen of Bohemia confessed her sins to her and when King Wenceslas asked what the Queen told him, St. John refused to break his oath of silence. It is believed that five stars circled in the sky directly above where his body was found in the river. Good luck is supposed to be given to all who touch his statue.

Charles Bridge connects Old Town with the Lesser Town. Lesser Town is at the bottom of the hill of Prague Castle. Along the bridge, you will find many musicians playing and artists selling their work. A great view of the city and the Vltava river is seen from the bridge, which is the longest running river in the Czech Republic. Crossing Charles Bridge is a must do while visiting Prague and it is part of the route to get from Old Town to the Prague Castle.

 

Street artists on the Charles Bridge