Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge (in Czech: Karlův most) was once the only link between the two halves of Prague and is one of the city's most recognisable monuments. Commissioned by Charles IV to replace the Judith Bridge, it was designed by the court architect Peter Parler. Known as the the Prague or the Stone Bridge until the late nineteenth century, in 1870 it was officially named after its patron.

Occupying a central and strategic location in the heart of Prague, the Charles Bridge has been the site of many significant events in Czech history: among them, the last battle of the Thirty Years' War in 1648, the defeat of the Prussians in 1744, and the front line between the revolutionaries and reactionaries in 1848.

Charles Bridge has previously allowed traffic and once had a tram line, however since 1950 the bridge is open to foot traffic only. The statues that line the bridge are copies of the sandstone originals, which may be seen in the Lapidárium.

According to legend, the foundation stone of the bridge was laid by Charles IV upon advice of astrologers to formally open the bridge on a palindromic date and time: 5:31 a.m. July 9, 1357 (the palindromic sequence being: 1357-9-7-531). During commemorative events celebrating the foundation of the bridge, the stone is again blessed at 5.31am every July 9th.