The Judith Bridge was the first stone bridge over the river. It was built in 1172 and collapsed in a flood in 1342. The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava River now in its place. The bridge is adorned with statues, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700. They have all since been replaced by replicas; the originals have been exhibited in the lapidarian of the National Museum.
The most popular statue is St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr saint who was executed during the reign of Wenceslas IV by being thrown into the Vltava from the bridge. The plaque on the statue has been polished to a shine by countless people having touched it over the centuries. Touching the statue is supposed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague. There is a tower standing on each end of the bridge, the Staroměstská věž on the Old Town end and the Malostranská věž on the Malá Strana end.
Legend says that the first stone was laid down by Charles IV for the bridge at 5:31am on the 9th of July in 1357. This exact time was very important to the Holy Roman Emperor because he was a strong believer of numerology and this specific time, which formed a numerical bridge (1357 9, 7 5:31), would instill the Bridge with additional strength. The best time to visit is early in the morning on a week day during the winter months. When visiting Prague it is a must to see this powerful & strong bridge.
Legend says that the first stone was laid down by Charles IV for the bridge at 5:31am on the 9th of July in 1357. This exact time was very important to the Holy Roman Emperor because he was a strong believer of numerology and this specific time, which formed a numerical bridge (1357 9, 7 5:31), would instill the Bridge with additional strength. The best time to visit is early in the morning on a week day during the winter months. When visiting Prague it is a must to see this powerful & strong bridge.
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