Charles Bridge, Prague

Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is a medieval sandstone arch bridge crossing the Vltava River between Prague’s Old Town and Lesser Town. Construction began in 1357 under Charles IV. Master builder Petr Parléř directed the work, which was completed in 1402. The bridge replaced the 12th-century Judith Bridge, which had been severely damaged by a flood in 1342. Initially known as the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, it became commonly known as Charles Bridge around 1870.

The bridge measures approximately 515.8 meters (1,692 feet) long and 9.5 meters (31 feet) wide and rests on 16 arches. Fortified towers frame its approaches. Thirty statues and sculptural groups line the balustrades, most dating from the early 18th century. Flooding and weathering led to the replacement of many originals with copies, while several original sculptures are preserved in museum collections.

Charles Bridge is a major monument within the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Prague. Motor-vehicle traffic ended in 1965, and the bridge is now reserved for pedestrians. The 2017 photographs also document clusters of love locks attached to nearby railings overlooking the bridge.