The History of Statues on Charles Bridge Explained

The bridge itself dates back to 1357. King Charles IV laid the first stone. However, the bridge remained mostly bare for its first 300 years. The first statue arrived in 1683. This started a trend of placing religious figures along the railings. These statues served as a "Bible in stone" for the public.

Most of the statues you see today are Baroque in style. Famous sculptors like Matthias Braun and Ferdinand Brokoff created them. They used local sandstone which darkens over time. This gives the bridge its dramatic, gothic look. Many of the figures tell stories of miracles or martyrdom.

It is important to note that many statues on the bridge are replicas. The originals suffered damage from floods and weather. You can find the authentic stone versions in the National Museum or the Gorlice at Vyšehrad. This preservation ensures the Charles Bridge statues and towers remain safe for the future. Understanding this history makes your walk across the Vltava River much more meaningful.

10 Iconic Statues and Towers to Explore

To make the most of your visit, focus on these specific highlights. Each piece has a unique story and artistic value. Use this list to identify the most significant works as you walk from Old Town to the Lesser Town side.

• Quick picks: Best for luck: St. John of Nepomuk. Best view: Old Town Bridge Tower. Best for art: St. Luthgard. Best for photos: Calvary.

1. Name: St. John of Nepomuk Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest and most famous statue. It marks the spot where the saint was thrown into the river. Best for: History buffs and luck seekers. Where: North side, halfway across the bridge. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Square. Tip: Touch the bronze relief to ensure your return to Prague.
2. Name: Calvary (The Holy Cross) Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the most ancient locations on the bridge. The gilded Hebrew inscription is a unique historical feature. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Look for the golden letters that stand out against the dark stone.
3. Name: St. Luthgard Type: Experience Why go: Many consider this the most artistically valuable statue. It depicts the saint's vision of Christ. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near the Lesser Town end. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Malá Strana side. Tip: Notice the fine details carved by Matthias Braun in 1710.
4. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is one of the finest Gothic gateways in the world. It offers a stunning view of the bridge and castle. Best for: Photographers. Where: Old Town entrance. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Located at the foot of the bridge in Old Town. Tip: You can climb the tower for a fee to see the statues from above.
5. Name: St. Vitus Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of the bridge and the Czech people. The statue shows him surrounded by lions. Best for: Local culture. Where: Middle section of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the south side of the bridge. Tip: Compare this to the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle.
6. Name: St. Francis of Assisi Type: Sight Why go: This statue features two angels and the famous saint. It was donated by the Count of Sternberg. Best for: Baroque art fans. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk a few meters past the Calvary. Tip: Check the base for the donor's coat of arms.
7. Name: St. Augustine Type: Sight Why go: He is shown holding a flaming heart. The statue is a great example of the Brokoff family's work. Best for: Symbolism. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the center of the bridge. Tip: Look for the small angel at his feet trying to empty the sea with a shell.
8. Name: St. Anthony of Padua Type: Sight Why go: This statue shows the saint with the baby Jesus and a lily. It is a very popular spot for local devotees. Best for: Traditional iconography. Where: North side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the Old Town side. Tip: This is a 1707 work by Jan Oldřich Mayer.
9. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: Viewpoint Why go: These two towers mark the entrance to the Malá Strana district. They are connected by a high gate. Best for: Architecture. Where: Lesser Town entrance. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk through; fee for tower access. Getting there: Walk to the west end of the bridge. Tip: The smaller tower is the oldest part of the bridge complex.
10. Name: St. Christopher Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of travelers. He is shown carrying the Christ child on his shoulder. Best for: Travelers. Where: North side, near the Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the end of the bridge. Tip: This statue was added later in 1857 to replace an older one.

Practical Tips for Your Bridge Walk

To enjoy the bridge, timing is everything. It is one of the best things to do in Prague, so it gets busy. Visit at sunrise for the most peaceful experience. You will see the statues emerge from the morning mist without the crowds.

If you want to avoid the heavy crowds, stay away between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. During these hours, street performers and vendors fill the space. While lively, it makes it harder to study the statue details. Evening walks are also beautiful when the bridge is lit up.

You can find more information at the official tourism portal for the city. They offer maps and seasonal event schedules. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery when wet. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.