Charles Bridge

medieval architecture · Prague · bridge engineering

Built over centuries. Construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV and wasn't finished until the early 1400s, making it one of the longest building projects of the Middle Ages.

Replaced a destroyed bridge. The Charles Bridge was built to replace the Judith Bridge, which had stood since 1158 but was badly damaged by a massive flood in 1342.

Not always called Charles Bridge. For over 500 years, people called it the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge before it officially became known as Charles Bridge in 1870.

Made of stone arches. The bridge features a beautiful medieval design with stone arches that span across the Vltava River, allowing it to support people and carts crossing between Prague's neighborhoods.