Prague the Iconic - A Walk Along Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of Prague's most incredible and iconic landmarks. Crossing the Vltava River, the bridge serves to connect the Old Town Square with the Lesser Quarter, also known as Mala Strana.

* The bridge was constructed in 1357 under orders from King Charles IV, the first King of Bohemia to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor.

* Highlights of the bridge include the 30 religious statues mounted on each side of the structure; giving it a very mythical feel.

* On one end of the bridge lies the Church of St. Francis of Assisi along with the very heroically named, Monastery of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star.

* And adjacent to the square is the Jesuit Church of St. Salvator.

* The gateway to Charles Bridge is the Gothic Old Town Bridge Tower, which sort of resembles Doctor Doom's headquarters.

* Known as one of the most stunning Gothic gateways in the world, it also serves as the entrance to Charles Bridge from the Old Town of Prague.

* In the past, rich citizens could take their horses over the bridge; with an electric tram serving as main public transport. Today, the whole area is a pedestrian-only zone.

* An alternate view of the Bridge, this time from the Vltava River.

* Taking a nice stroll in the direction of the Lesser Quarter.

* Statues of the Madonna and Saint Bernard, the actual Saint not the dog.

* A recreation of the Good Friday scene at Calvary

* At the center of the bridge you will find  the Bronze Cross of St. John of Nepmok. Legend has it that if you cup your hand over the cross and are able to place each finger on various points of the stars, your wish will come true.

* Statues of Saints Norbert, Wenceslaus, and Sigismund, among the more popular saints in Eastern Europe.

* Reflections on the Vltava..

* The view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge.

* Nearing the end of our walk across the bridge.

* Here's a video of the scene at Charles Bridge!

* The Lesser Town Bridge Tower welcomes us to the other side of Prague. 

* I make a mental note to climb this tower later, for the spectacular view!

* Welcome to Mala Strana, Prague's Lesser Quarter.

* Hmmm interesting...

* Mala Strana was historically the home of the ethnic German and Italian citizens of Prague.

* Due to its location at the foot of Prague Castle Complex, the area is full of large mansions, embassies, and government buildings.

* For $3.00 and a terrifyingly steep climb to the top, this spectacular view of Mala Strana from the Bridge Tower was a GREAT idea!