Charles Bridge

Also known as Karlův most

Charles IV laid the foundation stone of the Karluv most at 5:31 AM on July 9, 1357, a moment chosen for its numerological palindrome (1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1) that the emperor believed would give the bridge supernatural strength. The bridge took 45 years to build and was Prague's only Vltava crossing for nearly 500 years.

The Charles Bridge (Karluv most) connects Prague’s Old Town to Mala Strana across the Vltava on 16 Gothic stone arches. Foundation stone was laid in 1357 at a moment chosen for its numerological significance. The 30 Baroque statues lining the parapets are replicas; originals are in the National Gallery. The bridge is free and always accessible. After 9am it is extremely crowded; dawn is the recommended visiting time. From the Old Town, walk west from Staromestske namesti; from Mala Strana, walk east from Malostranske namesti.