How many bridges in Prague. Charles Bridge and the predictions of astrologers

Charles Bridge in Prague is a visiting card of the Czech capital and a very atmospheric place imbued with the spirit of antiquity. Here you can admire the beautiful views of the city, look at sculptures and make wishes. Since 1992, the Charles Bridge has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Charles Bridge

The destruction of the Juditin Bridge in 1342 by a flood stimulated the construction of a more modern crossing of the Vltava in 1357. Master Otto was the first architect of the new bridge. It is not known exactly in what year the construction was completed, but the funeral procession carrying the remains of Charles IV in 1378 passed over the already installed bridge.

Parameters Charles Bridges were stunning in their day and are awe-inspiring even today:

• length - 520 meters;
• width - 9.5 meters;
• height - 13 meters above the river.

Over the centuries, floods have destroyed the bridge many times. The ancient monuments have miraculously survived and the structure looks almost the same as it did six and a half centuries ago. After a catastrophic flood in 1890, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out.

In 2004-2005, work was done to preserve the two pillars, and in 2007, a complete reconstruction of Charles Bridge was carried out again, this should eliminate some of the adverse effects of past floods.

Building legends

According to legend, in those distant times, figures were given great importance. Therefore, before starting the construction of the bridge, Charles IV turned to astrologers for advice. And on their recommendation, the first stone of the crossing was laid by the emperor himself on July 9, 1357 at 5.31 in the morning. If you write the numbers in the following sequence: year, day, month and time, then you get 135797531 - a number that can be read equally in both directions, or as it is also called - "palindrome". According to legend, only thanks to the correct date, the bridge stood for centuries and will stand for as long.

There is another explanation for the strength of the bridge: to improve the solution, raw eggs, milk and wine were added to it, and the products were collected throughout the country. Many funny fables are associated with this legend, some of them:

1. The inhabitants of one village wanted so much to please the emperor that they boiled eggs so that they would not break.
2. From one small town, people sent not only milk, but also cottage cheese and hard cheese. Thus, they wanted to curry favor with Charles IV.

Sculptures and towers on the Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is not in vain considered the main architectural landmark of Prague, because it is decorated with a free open-air gallery. There are 30 sculptures on the bridge, and each of them has its own history, which is intertwined with the history of the Czech Republic. Most of the statues were created in the 17th-18th centuries by Czech sculptors: Matthias Bernard Braun, Jan Brokoff and Ferdinand Maximilian. Almost all of the sculptures depict Czech saints and are made of Baroque stone. Today, there are mostly replicas of the statues on the bridge, and the originals are kept in the National Museum.

The statue of Jan Nepomuk is the oldest and only sculpture made of bronze; it has been on the bridge since 1683. Legend has it that Jan was thrown off the bridge in 1393 for not revealing his wife's confession to King Wenceslas IV.

The most famous sculptural groups:

1. “The Turk who guards the Christians in captivity” - the work of Jan Brokoff in 1714.
2. The Crucifix is ​​the oldest group brought from Dresden in 1657.
3. "Virgin Mary and Child and Saint Anna" - the work of sculptor Matej Václav Jakel in 1707.

The towers at both ends of the Charles Bridge were its only decorations until the middle of the 17th century. The eastern tower is located at the entrance from the bridge in Stare Mesto and is called Old Town. Its construction was supervised by the architect Peter Parler from 1357 to 1380. The East Tower is the most beautiful building of the 14th century in Europe, its height is 47 meters above the level of the bridge. The Old Town Tower is decorated with the coats of arms of the Holy Roman Empire and the figurines of St. Vitus, Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, Saints Vojtech and Sigismund (patrons of the Czech Republic), and the tower is crowned with pointed spiers.

The western towers were built at the entrance from the bridge into Mala Strana and are called Lesser Towns. These towers were built in different centuries: the construction of the higher tower was completed in 1464, and the lower tower was built in 1591. In architectural style, the two western towers are similar to the eastern tower.

The neo-Gothic staircase to the island of Kampa is part of the architectural monument of Charles Bridge, its construction was completed in 1844.

Making wishes near St. John of Nepomuk

There are several places on the Charles Bridge where you can make a wish. Every day, crowds of tourists gather near the statue of St. John of Nepomuk (John of Nepomuk), a Czech Catholic martyr, to make a wish. There are 2 bas-reliefs under the statue of the saint:

• if you rub the bas-relief on the right, your wish will come true;
• if you make a guess for a person and rub the bas-relief on the left, your friendship with the person you make up will strengthen.

Tourists have rubbed "magic places" on the bas-reliefs to shine, so finding the right place is not difficult.

For a wish to come true, it must be intangible.

Another wish can be made at the very place from which they threw St. John of Nepomuk into the river. There is a belief that when the body sank under the water, 5 stars shone over the Vltava, and since that time St. John of Nepomuk has been depicted with 5 stars over his head. The bronze figurine of the martyr is located in the middle of the bridge on a pedestal; when making a wish, the fingers of the right hand should be placed on the stars, and the left hand should be placed on the saint's feet or on a copper cross.

Charles Bridge has been a pedestrian since 1974. It immediately became a favorite spot for tourists, as well as a concentration of street musicians, dancers, painters, antiques and souvenir dealers. Walking along the bridge, you can come across more than one jazz band.

Where is it and how to get there

The address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic.

Charles Bridge is located in the historical center of Prague, close to such popular attractions as the Powder Tower, Prague Castle, and Clementinum. There are a variety of accommodation options within walking distance of the bridge, from budget hostels to 5-star hostels.

How to get there

Metro(nearest stations line "A"):

• Staroměstska (right bank of the Vltava);
• Malostranska (left bank of the Vltava).

By bus: No. 194, No. 207 - to the stop "Stare Mesto".

By tram:

• to the stop Staroměstska: no. 1, no. 2, no. 17, no. 18, no. 25, no. 93;
• to the Malostranska stop: No. 1, No. 2, No. 12, No. 15, No. 18, No. 20, No. 22, No. 23, No. 25, No. 97.

Distance from Wenceslas Square Charles Bridge is only 1 km away and can be walked first along Melantrichova Street and then Karlova Street.

Charles Bridge on Prague map

Charles Bridge in Prague is a visiting card of the Czech capital and a very atmospheric place imbued with the spirit of antiquity. Here you can admire the beautiful views of the city, look at sculptures and make wishes. Since 1992, the Charles Bridge has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Charles Bridge

The destruction of the Juditin Bridge in 1342 by the flood stimulated the construction of ... "/>

There are many beautiful bridges in Prague that connect the banks of the Vltava. Here you can not only walk, get acquainted with the architecture and history of the city, but also take great photos.

Prague's bridges are quite popular. There are 18 of them in total, but some of them stand out for their originality and beauty.

The most famous is the Charles Bridge

The oldest bridge in Central Europe. The bridge enchants with its ancient stone and surrounding buildings - on both sides it is supported by towers, and along it are "guarded" by 30 Baroque statues.

The Dalai Lama is said to have marked this bridge as very positive, a bridge around which there is no negative energy. Indeed, the mood rises here and turns into some kind of romantically calm.

Chekhov bridge

The second is the Chekhov Bridge, named after the writer A.P. Chekhov. The style of this construction is very different from that of Karlov, but both are very beautiful bridges. has no shorter bridges for trams than this one.

The architectural idea of ​​the bridge fascinates the eye - along the bridge, as if behind the handrails on the pedestals, there are four bronze statues, the bridge is decorated with arches and lanterns.

Manesov bridge

The third bridge is the Manesov bridge, which connects the city center with the old fishing village. The bridge is named after the Czech artist Josef Manes. It is decorated with sculptures of fishermen and the Composers' Walk of Fame. It should definitely be visited if you are in doubt about which bridges to see in Prague.

Glavkov bridge

The fourth is the Glavkov Bridge, which crosses the Štvanice Island. This bridge is also famous for its relief sculptures.

Zbraslavsky bridge

The fourth is the Zbraslav Bridge, also known as the "Peace Run Bridge", as the international cycling race begins here. Unlike other bridges, there is only one arch, but it is considered the main gateway to Prague.

The bridge is located at the confluence of two rivers - Berounka and Vltava and connects the road from the railway station with the historical district of Zbraslav. The most beautiful view of the city opens from here.

Jirasek Bridge in Prague

The sixth is the Jirasek Bridge, named after the Czech writer. This bridge is one of the most modern, over which you can get to the famous "Dancing House". The bridge was built in 1929 and has seven parabolic arches with several ribs.

Nuselsky bridge

The seventh and my favorite bridge is the Nuselsky bridge. This is the highest bridge that runs over the rooftops of houses. It connects the center with the outskirts of Prague. I have never seen anything like this anywhere else - the bridge is so huge and high that one can immediately feel its power and some special strength. There is a train tunnel under it.

Thousands of people cross the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) in Prague every day. The reason for its popularity is simple: this medieval ferry today connects the two most important tourist areas of the city - the Old Town and Prague Castle.

Charles Bridge - history

Back in 1172, a crossing over the Vltava River, Juditin Bridge, was built on the site of the Charles Bridge. Destroyed by the flood of 1342, it only reminds of its existence with the Small Bridge Tower, as well as several arches preserved in the basements of houses.

Juditin most Czechs decided not to restore. To the south of its ruins, Charles Bridge was built under the leadership of the famous German-Czech architect, Peter Parler. The new structure was made taller and wider: with a length of 515.8 m, the width of the new structure increased by three meters, up to 9.4 m, reaching 13.4 m in the most spacious section.

The exact date of the start of construction is known only from legends, which say that astrologers chose the time for the start of the first day of work. They recommended laying the foundation stone for the future bridge on July 9, 1357 at 5:31 am, which Charles IV himself did.

Charles Bridge - Lesser Town Bridge Towers
Charles Bridge - Old Town Bridge Tower

Charles bridge - architecture

The model for the construction was apparently the Stone Bridge in Regensburg. The canvas holds 16 arches made of sandstone. The bridge is protected by three towers, two of which are located on the Mala Strana side. At the same time, the Old Town Bridge Tower is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in the city and in Europe.

Between 1683 and 1714, the bridge was adorned with a chain of 30 baroque statues. Today all of them have been replaced by replicas, and in those days the most famous Bohemian sculptors took part in their creation. All sculptures are dedicated to the revered saints of the turn of the century. In 1965, they were transferred to the National Museum for preservation.

Charles Bridge - sculptures
The Charles Bridge

It is interesting that among the sculptures of the Charles Bridge (this name was given to the crossing in 1870, on the wave of national revival) there are no representatives of politicians who advocated the creation of a strong Czech state. So, here you will not find a sculpture even of Charles IV and Wenceslas IV. You can see only the distributors and ideologists of Catholicism (St. Bernard, St. Ivo, Thomas Aquinas, etc.).

Charles Bridge (Karlův most), originally called Prague Bridge, has been repeatedly tested by natural disasters and anthropogenic accidents. Unlike its predecessor, he managed to survive. So, in 1432, three pillars were damaged as a result of a flood, in 1496 the third arch broke, and in 1648 battles between the Swedes and Czechs were fought right on the bridge during the Thirty Years War. At the same time, the ferry lost most of its decorations.

Despite the fact that later the Charles Bridge faced the destructive force of nature (for example, in 1748, five pillars were hit by floods at once), the crossing got its modern look at the turn of the 17th - 18th centuries. However, not only the elements continued to test her fate. At the end of the 19th century, a horse tram line was launched across the bridge, and later - a tram with a lower current collection. Fortunately, the city authorities changed their minds in time, and since 1974 made the crossing a pedestrian crossing.

It should be noted that the Charles Bridge, as the only link between the two banks, played an important role in the history of the city's development. So, when it became clear that its maintenance would require considerable sums, control over the payment of duties was entrusted to the Order of Malta and the Order of the Red Star Crusaders. Having gained control over the eastern and western parts of the bridge, respectively, they erected entire areas: one around Maltese and Velkoprevorskaya squares, and the second near the Crusader square.

Like the bridge itself, the elements associated with it are architectural monuments. The neo-Gothic staircase to the island of Kampu (1844), all three towers and stairs deserve the attention of travelers.

Charles Bridge - in the evening
Charles Bridge - at dawn

This architectural object has played an important role in the history of the city. If you believe the legends, it was from here that John of Nepomuk, a revered Czech saint, was thrown in a sack. After the execution of the leaders of the anti-Habsburg uprising on June 27, 1621, the heads of 12 leaders of the Protestant movement hung on the Old Town Bridge Tower for 10 years. Since 1438, the Royal Route crossed the bridge - the route along which the future Czech rulers traveled to the coronation ceremony.

Today Charles Bridge is one of the most famous in Europe. Guests of Prague believe that wishes made here will definitely come true. Well, skeptics will undoubtedly enjoy getting to know this unique piece of art by medieval architects.

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Charles Bridge - address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1

One of the iconic sights of Prague is, of course, the Charles Bridge. Crossing from one bank to the other across the bridge, whose length is 520 meters, and the history begins in 1380, every tourist seeks, regardless of age and time of stay in the capital.

How to get there

There are three tram stops right next to Charles Bridge:

• Karlovy lázně - tram 2, 17, 18, 93. (, right bank)
• Staroměstská - tram 2, 17, 18, 93. (, right bank)
• Malostranské náměstí - 1, 12, 15, 20, 22, 25, 97 tram. ( , left Coast)

You can also get to the historic district of Prague using. Staroměstská metro station (line A) on one side of the river, and Malostranská metro station (line A) on the other side.

Why are there so many tourists on the Charles Bridge?

Firstly, because the Charles Bridge is a kind of pedestrian crossing between the two legendary districts of Prague - and, where Prague sights are located in a large volume.

Secondly, on the Charles Bridge today there are powerful sculptures that are of interest to tourists. Each sculpture has its own history and is closely intertwined with the history of the bridge and the country.

Thirdly, events that are important both for the history of the Czech Republic and for world history took place on the bridge, which undoubtedly attracts tourists to walk along the Charles Bridge, which began to be used in 1380!

The Old Town Bridge Tower is considered one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Europe. You should definitely climb it, from here a magical landscape opens up over the bridge and Prague.

If you enter the bridge from the west (left) side, pay attention to which were built at different times. The low tower was built after 1591 in the Renaissance style, and in 1464, when King Jiří ruled the country, a second tower was laid. If you compare these two towers and the Old Town Tower, you can compare their similarity in style. Perhaps, rather, the Old Town Bridge Tower served as an example - a template for the construction of the two western towers.

Until the time when sculptures began to decorate the bridge, three bridge towers were its only decoration.

Video from Charles Bridge

The playlist contains videos shot in different years. The list contains a video with a walk from one side to the other side of the bridge, you can already plunge into this said atmosphere.

Virtual walk

Thanks to modern technology, you are invited to take a virtual morning walk around the main sights of Prague.

How Charles Bridge appeared

On the site of the current bridge, once upon a time in the second century of the second millennium (1172), was built and put into operation Juditin bridge... The bridge was named after Queen Jutta of Thuringia, wife of Vladislav II. This bridge was also found by King Charles IV, but even then there was an urgent need for its modernization due to the growth of trade, construction and social needs. After the flood of 1342, the Juditin Bridge was almost completely destroyed, which entailed the construction of a more improved structure. There are many legends about the bridge, some of which we have collected in.

The name of Charles Bridge is associated with the Czech king Charles IV, who not only oversaw the entire construction, but also laid the first stone of the building. This historic event took place on July 9, 1357, at 5:31 a.m. Old Bohemian Time.

Since in those days they trusted astrological forecasts, this date was chosen for a reason, because the numbers participating both in the date and in time are a series of odd numbers, namely: 1-3-5-7-9-7-5 -3-1.

Sculptures of Charles Bridge

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Madonna with Saint Bernard - Madona a sv. Bernard



The sculptural composition is an image of the Madonna - mother of Christ, as well as Bernard of Clairvaux - the founder of the monastic order of the Cistercians, whose task was to cultivate the Virgin Mary. Here Saint Bernard bows before Madonna. Nearby is an angel holding a headdress and a beehive, symbolizing the gift of eloquence.

To the left of Mary, the image of Jesus is depicted with the attributes of his cruel execution.

Madonna with Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas - Madona, sv. Dominik a sv. Tomáš Akvinský



All the sculptural groups of Charles Bridge in Prague were erected during the reign of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty, which, relying on Catholicism, tried to subjugate the people and suppress the independent Hussite sentiments that were dangerous for it. Therefore, the sculptures of the bridge are subordinate to one common idea - to glorify the Catholic faith.
Sculpture "Madonna with St. Dominic and St. Thomas Aquinas "is a striking example of the Baroque style. Executed by Matej Václav Jakel in 1707, it depicts the Virgin Mary with the little Jesus hovering over the globe as the central figure in the composition, and thus symbolizes how widespread Catholicism is.

Madonna gives the prayer beads to her faithful missionary, Saint Dominic, who, being a representative of a wealthy Spanish noble family, renounced worldly goods and founded a religious order named after him. Already in his youth, this priest was distinguished by compassion and kindness to people, a willingness to help those in need. Interestingly, it was St. Dominic is considered the author of the rosary - a Catholic prayer using a rosary. The dog at his feet with a torch in his teeth illustrates the emblem of the order (Domini canes is Latin for "the dogs of the Lord").

The third figure of the sculpture - Thomas Aquinas with a book in his hand, a famous theologian, philosopher and enlightener, was also a representative of the Dominican order and found five proofs of the existence of God, on which the Catholic Church relies to this day.

Crucifixion of Christ - Kalvárie, sv. Kříž

The sculpture of Christ crucified on the cross, as well as images of the Virgin Mary and John the Theologian, were gradually erected on the Charles Bridge. In total, the process took 50 years, from 1657 to 1707. In the center of the composition is directly Jesus on the cross, on the left - the Virgin Mary, on the right - John the Theologian. Looking at the cross, you can see the inscription laid out in the form of an arc, which tells about the holy savior, the Lord. The letters are made of gold, the money for which was withdrawn as a fine from the Jew. The rest of the sculptural composition was paid for by Baron Karel Adam from Ricany. Its coat of arms can be seen at the base of the monument. On the base of the cross, you can read the translation of the "golden" inscription in different languages.

Saint Anna - Sv. Anna



The statue of St. Anne, Mother of the Theotokos, is a masterpiece by sculptor Matej Vaclav Jakel, created in 1709. The hetman-chamberlain of the Old City, aristocrat Rudolf Lisovsky donated his funds for the construction of the statue. The original sculpture is kept in Gorlice, one of the underground halls of the Vysehrad fortress-museum, located in the historical district of Prague. A reproduction of the statue was made by Czech sculptors Vojtech Adamec and Martin Pokorny and installed in its original place on the Charles Bridge in 1999.

The central place in the composition of the sculpture is occupied by the mother of the Virgin Mary - Saint Anna. In the saint's arms is the infant Jesus, holding the globe and the crucifix. Young Maria looks at her mother with endless love and hands her a small bunch of roses. The plot of the composition of the statue of St. Anne, the Mother of the Theotokos and the Virgin Mary on Karlovy Street implies the unity of the infant Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and St. Anne. This circumstance gave rise to many controversies around the statue, because such a plot contradicts the basic canons of the Catholic Church.

Saint Anne is revered as the patroness of mothers, married life, babies and widows, therefore Catholics from all over Europe come to Prague to ask the saint for healthy offspring and a happy marriage.

Cyril and Methodius - Sv. Cyril a Metoděj



Cyril and Methodius is the only statue erected at the expense of the state, the newest on the Charles Bridge. It was ordered in 1928 for the anniversary of the Republic. Karl Dvořek is the author of a statue depicting two famous people, missionaries, who brought the light of Christianity to the people of that time and created a unique script - the Cyrillic alphabet.

The place of the statue was previously occupied by a sculpture of 1711 depicting St. Ferdinand Brockoff. Ignatius of Loila. It was washed away by a flood in 1890. Now this statue can be admired in the Prague Lapidarium.

The statue, personifying the Slavic enlighteners, is one of three dozen sculptures of saints located on the Charles Bridge.

In 862, the Moravian prince Rostislav sent ambassadors to Constantinople with the following request: “Despite the fact that our people profess the Christian faith, we do not have teachers who can explain the faith in our native language. Send us such teachers. " After this, the holy monks were sent to Moravia. Thanks to Cyril and Methodius, the Slavs learned to read, write, the basics of other sciences known at that time and began to conduct church services in the Slavic language.

John the Baptist - Sv. Jan Křtitel



The sculpture of John the Baptist was created in 1857 by master Joseph Max, funds for this project were allocated by Ya.N. Germerich. On the site of St. John the Baptist, there used to be a sculpture that depicted the baptism of the work of the author Michal Jan Josef Brokoff. But, unfortunately, in 1848 the sculptures were badly damaged, and they had to be removed from the bridge to the museum - NM Lapidarium.

The sculpture depicts St. John the Baptist, to whom Christ himself came for Baptism in the Holy Waters of Jordan. According to legend, it was to John that the Lord Himself revealed the true origin of Christ of his son. The legend also says that John was baptized by God himself, after which John began to actively promote baptism around the world. The sculpture is an image of John with a cross in his hand and a baptismal bowl. The hand of John the Baptist graciously indicates that the Lord himself commanded to accept Christianity. A hand gesture speaks of a blessing to anyone who walks by.

Today, the sculpture of St. John the Baptist is located almost in the very center of Charles Bridge, every day hundreds of tourists come here to admire the creation of Joseph Max!

Norbert, Sigismund and Wenceslas - Sv. Norbert, Václav a Zikmund



In the first version, created by Jan Brokoff in 1708, Saint Norbert was depicted together with Saints Adrian and James. In 1764, the dilapidated figures were replaced by the work of Platzer, where angels stood next to Norbert. The sculptural group, which can be seen now, was created in 1853 by Joseph Max in the neo-Gothic style.

Saint Norbert was born in about 1080 and a sudden change in his life was made by one incident - frightened by the thunder, his horse carried, and Norbert only miraculously did not die and took it as a sign from above. He began to lead a godly life, and donated part of his fortune to the creation of the abbey. Later, already being a priest, as a result of a conflict with other canons, he resigned and went to Rome, where Pope Gelasius II authorized him to be an itinerant preacher. In 1120 Norbert founded the Order of the Premonstrants.

Saint Wenceslas, a Czech prince who ruled from 924 to 935, built a church named after St. Vita. He enjoyed great love and respect for his people, after his death he was canonized.

Saint Sigismund was king of Burgundy, issued a set of fundamental laws and patronized the Orthodox clergy. In 522, according to the slander of his second wife, in a fit of rage, he killed his own son. Having come to his senses and horrified by the crime, the king went to the monastery of Mauritius founded by him, where he helped the poor and the suffering, donating part of his fortune. Later, as a result of a devastating war for his kingdom, he hid for a long time in the monastery under the guise of a simple monk, but was discovered, transported with his family to Orleans and executed.

Saint John of Nepomuk - Sv. Jan Nepomucký



Many people know about St. John of Nepomuk, because many legends have been built around his death. The mysterious circumstances of the death made the sculpture especially popular, as did the belief in the fulfillment of wishes. On the pedestal of the sculpture, you can see bronze images. Here you will see the confession of the queen, as well as the image of the execution of St. John of Nepomuk. It is at this sculpture that you can always see tourists rubbing bronze images in the hope of fulfilling their cherished desires.

Anthony of Padua - Sv. Antonín Paduánský



St. Anthony of Padua is a work by Jan Mayer and is one of his first works. The statue was erected in 1707 at the expense of the highest burgrave of the city of Prague K. M. Wittauer. The statue will be the ninth in a row among the sculptures of the bridge and there is a sculpture on the right side of the royal road.

The saint's robe is presented in the form of a robe of the order of the Franciscans, in his right hand is visible a lily made of metal. A decorative lantern with a sparkle is another attribute of the saint. Mayer's work represents the Baroque era and is considered quite successful due to the incredibly natural gestures, elegantly elaborated flowing waves of the robe.

St. Anthony of Padua was born in 1195, was brought up in an ordinary school at the church, among the first to join the order of St. Augustine. He carried out missionary service in Morocco, and when he heard that St. Francis is still alive, he decided to find the creator of the Franciscan order. The search was crowned with success and the meeting took place, Anthony was assigned to read sermons. As a result, St. Francis, being deeply impressed by the oratory skills of the young man, gave him confidence and encouraged him to conduct educational activities of the order. Anthony quickly became the best student and confidant of St. Francis. St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of Portugal, died in 1231, and a year later he was canonized.

People pray to the face of the saint and ask for assistance in gaining a once lost thing. Women suffering from infertility turn to him in the hope that a miracle will happen.

Judas-Thaddeus with a club - Sv. Juda Tadeáš



Saint Jude Thaddeus depicted in this sculpture is revered as one of the first twelve apostles. According to some versions of church tradition, he was the son of Joseph the Carpenter from his first marriage and, therefore, the half-brother of Jesus himself, although modern scholars distinguish between the "brother of the Lord, Judas" and the Apostle Judas. One of the epistles of the New Testament is attributed to St. Jude, he himself is known for his preaching work in Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, Persia and Armenia. He was martyred at the hands of pagans. Since many insufficiently educated believers confused St. Jude with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ, his veneration was never particularly widespread. For the same reason, in the Catholic tradition, he is considered the patron saint of people who have fallen into difficult and desperate situations, undeservedly forgotten and disgraced, suffering from general misunderstanding. The detailed circumstances of the martyrdom of Judas Thaddeus are not known for certain and differ in different sources. According to one of the versions, more widespread in Catholicism, he was beaten with clubs. Obviously, it was this legend that served as a source of inspiration for the sculpture - the saint is depicted leaning on a club, in his hand is the Gospel.

Blessed Augustine trampling on heretical books - Sv. Augustin



The famous Charles Bridge is decorated with a large number of remarkable sculptures from the Baroque period. And of course, all of their topics are only of a religious nature.
The sculpture of St. Augustine was erected in 1678, the famous sculptor at that time, John Frederick Kohl, became the master.

Blessed Augustine was born in the year 354 on November 13 in Africa, in a small town - Tagaste. He was a remarkable scholar, Bishop of Hippo, philosopher, Christian theologian, preacher and outstanding politician. He became the founder of Augustinism, and the Father of the Christian Church. Saint Augustine for all his contribution to the development of religion was canonized.

He wrote a large number of books "The Book of Genesis", as well as the world famous moral treatises, "Confession", "On the City of God", which he dedicated to the fight against the Manichaeans and heresies.

Also, Blessed Augustine did a lot for people, there were legends about his kindness, he helped absolutely everyone. Blessed Augustine taught the word of God at the church.
The sculpture depicts St. Augustine with a golden stick, who, to the delight of many tourists, tramples heretical books.
This sculpture is inspiring, it just breathes with fighting spirit and will to fight.

Kaetan - Sv. Kajetán



St. Cayetan is the second sculptural composition by Ferdinand Brokoff, it was created in 1709 and then the twelfth in a row, installed on the right side of the Charles Bridge.

Creation symbolically marks the Holy Trinity. The work of the master is dedicated to St. Caetanu - the defender of people from the fierce plague. The obelisk enveloped in clouds of stone, which has three sides, is located behind the saint and is very similar to the Plague Column, according to local traditions, which means gratitude to the heavenly patrons for the expulsion of the disease. Little angels are circling over the obelisk and holding onto a massive, fiery heart attached to its upper point. In the hands of St. Caetana is the open Gospel of Matthew with the Scripture of God.

Caetan was born in the Italian city of Vincenza. In 1505 he received his doctorate in legal affairs and became secretary to Pope Julius II. Eleven years later, Caetan was ordained a priest and worked tirelessly for the benefit of the reforms carried out by the highest ecclesiastical authorities in Rome. Together with a group of priests, he became the founder of the Roman congregation of regular clergy, their main goal was the spiritual and religious education of the common people. In 1519 he returns to the city of childhood and joins the brotherhood of St. Jerome, whose main task was to help the sick and the poor. At the end of his life, Caetan led an activity to save lost souls and, as stated in the annals, was endowed with the power to perform miracles. He died in 1547.

Caetan was canonized in 1671. His relics are in the church of St. Paul in the city of Naples. St. Cayetan - the patron of Bavaria, is the main patron of childbirth, a savior from plague and hunger.

Philip Benicius - Sv. Filip benicius



The only light sculpture of Charles Bridge depicts Saint Philip Benicius, the founder and general of the Servite order. Servites are a religious monastic order founded in 1280 to celebrate the deeds of the Virgin Mary.

The statue of the general was designed by the Austrian sculptor Michal Mandl in 1714. In the museum of the city of Salzburg there is a clay sculptural model, it was according to which, after the death of Mandl, the statue was made. White Austrian marble was used in the work, the sculpture was sculpted in Austria, and later transported to Prague.

The funds for the production were allocated by the Prague Order of the Servites at the Church of St. Michal.

Saint Philip is dressed in white clothes traditional for the order, in his left hand he holds a lily branch, a cross and a book, at his feet is a tiara, symbolizing the rejected title of Pope. In November 1268, after the death of the incumbent Pope Clement IV, Benicius proved to be the most suitable contender for the post of pontiff. One of the legends says that Philip was a very modest man, got scared and hid in a cave until a new pope was elected. The inscription on the pedestal of the sculpture confirms this assumption: "The fifth general of the order of the Servites, Saint Philip Benicius, is loved by God for his modesty."

Sculpture of St. Vita - Sv. Vít



Sculpture of St. Vitus, created by Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff in 1714. The saint in the clothes of a city dweller of Rome and a medieval headdress is located on a pedestal of stones, on which are placed lions, depicted not as fierce and bloodthirsty predators, but as sympathetic to their captive and, as it were, protecting him.

Like all martyrs of the Christian faith, Saint Vitus in adolescence accepted Christianity with all his soul. His father, a senator of Sicily and a pagan, sent the boy for training to a mentor who confessed Christ. The emperors Diocletian and Maximian persecuted the carriers of the teachings of Christianity, his teacher was killed in front of Vitus, this event only strengthened his faith and the desire to turn his fellow citizens to the mercy and love of Christ.

The legend of St. Vitus says that Vitus, who expelled the demons from the soul of Emperor Diocletian, refused to pray to the Roman gods, for which he was placed in a cage with fierce lions. The animals did not touch the Saint, then they threw him into a cauldron of boiling oil.

Saint Vitus has been the patron of the Czech lands since the reign of Saint Prince Wenceslas, who received a part of the holy relics as a gift from Henry the Fowler. Saint Vitus protects from lightning strikes, poisonous snake bites, he is the patron saint of actors, is able to heal patients with epilepsy, and all who are possessed by demons.

This is the seventh sculpture made under the signature of the Brokoff sculptural workshop for the Charles Bridge, commissioned by the Vysehrad chapter.

St. Cosmas, Damian and the Savior - Sv. Kosma a Damián se Salvátorem



The sculptural group of three statues was made by Jan Oldrich Mayer in the Baroque style in 1709. It was ordered and installed with funds allocated by the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University.

Saints Cosmas and Damian are known as patrons of the sick and doctors, healers and miracle workers. It was possible to establish for certain only a few facts about their life: they were born in the second half of the third century on the territory of modern Turkey, and received medical education in Syria. For free help to the poor, people called them the nickname "unmercenaries." During the persecution of Christians, the brothers were arrested for preaching and spreading this religion, tortured and finally beheaded.

The composition of the sculpture is built in such a way that the brothers stand on both sides of the Savior. Each of the figures is located on a separate pedestal, and at first it may seem that the sculpture does not look like a whole and that each statue is individual. Cosmas and Damian are twin brothers, so it is not known how it was established that Cosmas is on the right, and Damian is the one on the left. They are dressed in university robes, holding martyr branches and medical mortars with the inscriptions: "This is the medicine of life" and "This is how the art of healing was born." In the center is the Savior, he is leaning on a cross, the inscription on which literally reads the following: "In this cross is our salvation."

Bearded Man's Head - Bradáč

According to popular legend, this small bas-relief depicts the very sculptor who built the Juditin Bridge, the first of the stone bridges thrown across the Vltava. According to legend, he was a man with a huge beard, and he was originally from Italy, where at that time (twelfth century) the art of architecture was just flourishing. Historical evidence partly confirms the legend, specifying only that the sculptor was invited on the initiative of the Bishop of Prague, and did not come by himself, as in the popular version of the legend. After the completion of the work, the master allegedly carved his own portrait on one of the stone blocks at the base of the bridge. This bridge was located on the very spot where Karlov is located today, and the workers preserved the stone with the sculptor's head, having built it into the pylon of the new bridge. The sculpture depicting the Bearded Man for many years served as a marker for determining the water level for the citizens of Prague, the spirit of the sculptor living in the Head played the role of a kind guardian deity. As they say, if the water reaches the mouth of the bas-relief, then the river has already spilled up to the level of the streets of Old Place, and if the water hid Borodach with his head, then through the central square you will soon have to sail on a boat.

Saint Ivo in the society of Themis - Sv. Ivo



The sculptural group “Saint Ivo in the Society of Themis”, the creation of the hands of the most talented Czech sculptor Matthias Braun, opens the “gallery” for Charles.
The sculptural composition depicts the trial at which Saint Ivo, together with Themis, the goddess of justice, decide the dispute between the son and the mother. In the center, clad in a robe and with laws in hand, stands Ivo of Breton, a native of Kermanten, the saint of the Catholic Church, who lived in the 13th century. During his lifetime, Ivo, who received a good legal education, served as a church judge. He paid special attention to the protection of ordinary poor people, for which he was often called the "advocate of the poor." In addition, he organized orphanages, hospitals for the poor, and shelters for the homeless. After his death, this outstanding jurist was canonized as a Catholic saint and is considered the patron saint of widows, orphans and the poor.

Saint Ivo's stern gaze is turned to mother and son, who could not find reconciliation between themselves. Next to the judge is the goddess Themis, as the embodiment of justice and just retribution to those brought before the court. In the eyes of the goddess, a bandage is a symbol of the impartiality of a judge.
Brown's work "Saint Ivo in the Society of Themis" was created by the master in 1711 by order of Charles University, the oldest and main educational institution in the Czech Republic, as a tribute to a just judge and a virtuous person. A copy created in 1908 by the sculptor Frantisek Gergesel is currently on display on the bridge. Those who are interested in the original should visit the Lapidarium of the National Museum of the Czech Republic, where the sculpture has been moved for storage.

Barbara, Margarita and Elizabeth - Sv. Barbora, Markéta a Alžběta



The sculpture "Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth" belongs to the second group of statues on the south side of the Charles Bridge. The sculptural group dates from 1707, the master of its production is Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff (the signature of the elder Brokoff, Ferdinand's father is at the foot of the central sculpture).

About sculptural composition

The image of the three patron saints is captured in this sculpture. Saint Barbara - the patroness of miners and miners, people associated with the extraction of minerals; Saint Elizabeth - protector of the sick and the poor, patroness of bakers; Saint Margaret was considered a helper in childbirth for expectant mothers and patronized the yield.

The image of Elizabeth coincides with the princess of the Arpad dynasty of Hungary. She was a generous woman who helped the poor and beggars, who are depicted in the sculpture, raising her eyes with entreaty to her benefactor.

The Great Martyr Margaret of Antioch was expelled from her home for her veneration of Jesus Christ and became a mendicant wanderer. According to legend, the Roman prefect, seeing in her the nobility of origin, took her under his care and protection, but when Margaret refused such protection, after cruel torture he killed her.

Barbara, after being accused of being interested in the Christian religion, was beheaded, and the father was the initiator of the trial of her daughter. Both Barbara and Margaret are depicted on the sculpture with the crowns of martyrs on their heads.

Pieta - Pieta (Oplakávání Krista)



One of the most famous sculptures of the Charles Bridge is Pieta. This sculptural composition depicts the dead Jesus Christ, already taken down from the cross. The Mother of God herself and Mary Magdalene (a repentant harlot who followed Jesus after he had been cured of seven demons) bowed over the body of the Savior in prayer. Behind the grieving women is John the Evangelist bowing his head (or the Theologian - the author of the fourth Gospel and one of Christ's beloved disciples).

The sculpture in question has its own history. For a very long time, this unique composition was replaced by a crucifix made of plain wood. If you believe the legends, here, on the Charles Bridge, the executions of sinful bakers and artisans took place - they were shackled in cages and lowered into the water. Due to a flood in 1496, the pylon under the crucifix collapsed and the crucifix was washed away by water.

The first Pieta was made back in 1695 by Jan Brokoff. In 1848, his work came under fire and was badly damaged, after which, in 1859, it was transferred to the monastery, where it remains to this day. The modern Pieta was made by Emanuel Max in 1858 with money collected from donations and from the city treasury.

Saint Joseph and Little Jesus - Sv. Josef s Ježíšem



If you walk along the Charles Bridge from the Old Town Tower to Lesser Town, then on the southern side of the bridge you can see a sculpture depicting the righteous Joseph the Betrothed. In his left hand he has a lily, and in his right he supports little Jesus Christ, who is blessing the city. The inscription on the high pedestal informs that the sculpture was erected at the expense of Joseph Bergman and is dedicated to the inhabitants of Prague and merchants for a long time.

Righteous Joseph was the guardian of the virginity of the Virgin Mary and the adoptive father of Jesus Christ. He was a carpenter by profession, therefore he is depicted standing on a log. And therefore, everyone whose profession is related to the processing of wood, lumberjacks, carpenters, joiners, chose him as their patron. Customs officers joined them, and King Ferdinand II, by his decree, "appointed" him the patron of the Czech lands. Lily in the hand of St. Joseph - the symbol of the Virgin Mary, signifies purity and purity.

The first sculpture of Saint Joseph, carved from sandstone by Jan Brokoff, was installed in 1706. But during the uprising of 1848, she was badly damaged by the shelling of Austrian artillery. The current statue was made by the Czech sculptor Josef Max, also from sandstone, and was installed in place of the damaged one in 1854. And the work of Jan Brokoff took its place in the Lapidarium of the National Museum in Prague on Vystaviste.

Francis Xavier - Sv. František Xaverský



Francis Xavier himself, and the composition itself, deserve to be written about them separately.

So who was, the man with the cross, immortalized in stone and placed on a pedestal, supported by a Negro, a samurai and a Tatar? Francisco Xavier is the second person in the Jesuit order, whose members from the 16th century. actively participated in almost all, both religious and political events on all continents. So, Francis Xavier or "Indian Apostle", as his contemporaries called him, was one of those missionaries, thanks to whom the Catholic Church today has a flock in the most remote corners of Asia and Africa. He managed to convert over a million pagans to Christianity. In 1711, the Faculty of Philology and Philosophy of Charles University commissioned a statue of Saint Ferdinand Brokoff. However, the original sculptural composition has not survived to this day, as it was swallowed by the waters of Vlatva during the catastrophic flood of 1890. A copy of the statue was made by Vincenz Vozmig and was erected on the bridge only 23 years later.

By the way, besides the saint himself, the figures symbolizing the peoples converted to Christianity, the Asian ruler bowing before the cross, and the boy serving water in the sink for baptism, there is another figure in the composition. According to some experts, the sculpture of a man standing next to Francis Xavier is a self-portrait of the sculptor Brokoff.

Christopher with the baby Jesus on his shoulders - Sv. Kryštof



This statue was created at the expense of the burgomaster V.Vanka, sculptor Emanuel Max and installed in 1857. Earlier, on the site of this sculpture there was a guardhouse, but in 1784 this part of the bridge was washed away by water and the booth was washed away. All five guards who were there were killed. After that, traffic on the bridge was limited, and the post was not rebuilt. It was decided to install a sculpture depicting Saint Christopher carrying the little Jesus on his shoulders. This patron saint of sailors, travelers and wanderers. According to legend, before baptism, the saint bore the name Oferrus. He was a giant with a dog's head, which he begged from God because he was very handsome, but did not want to give in to temptation. One day, the Lord asked him to transfer the pilgrims to the opposite bank of the river, among them was Jesus. Placing Christ on his shoulders, he went across the river, and every minute it became more difficult for him, the stream was stormy, and under the weight of a load, in the middle of the river, he sank headlong into the water. But an unknown force was leading Offerus and they moved to the other side. Putting the boy on the ground, he said: "It seemed to me that I was not carrying a child, but the whole world, on my shoulders." Jesus replied: "No wonder, because you carried not only the whole world, but also the one who created it, for I am the King of Heaven - Jesus Christ." This was the baptism of the giant, and Jesus called him Christopher, which means "Christ-bearer." Such a beautiful and symbolic legend formed the basis for the creation of this beautiful sculpture.

Francisco Borgia - Sv. František Borgiáš



The author of the remarkable sculpture was the good master Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff. The sculpture was created in 1719. The sculpture depicts Saint Francisco Borgia between two angels dressed as a priest. Both angels are holding holy images in their hands, the first is the image of the Mother of God, the second is the image of the Holy Gifts.
Saint Francisco Borgia was born on October 28, 1510, in Rome. He was a Catholic saint and the third general of the Society of Jesus.

In 1551, having completed his theological education, he was ordained. After he was elected third general in 1565. He often called this day the day of his crucifixion, and in his prayers he asked the Lord to take him away or take away his office from him. Francisco Borgia made a significant contribution to the development of religion, not to mention his good deeds, which are still legendary, and helping a large number of people. He never refused to help anyone.

Francisco Boggia died in 1572 on September 30. He was canonized at the request of Pope Clement X in 1671. Many saints speak of him as one of the most successful and best generals of the Jesuit Order.

The sculpture is incredibly beautiful and breathtaking, it is filled with goodness and greatness.

Saint Ludmila with little Wenceslas - Sv. Ludmila s malým Václavem



In February 1784, during a flood in the Vltava, a sculptural composition by the Italian master Ottavio Mosta, depicting St. Wenceslas accompanied by guardian angels, collapsed. In the same year, her place was taken by a sculpture of a Czech princess, the first saint-martyr Ludmila with her little grandson Wenceslas by the hand of the sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun. It was completed around 1730 and was originally intended for the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, which was located at Prague Castle.

Lyudmila devoted her whole life to raising her grandson and preaching Christianity, and this was reflected in the plot of the sculptural composition. In the center rises a majestic statue of a Czech princess, to the right of her stands the young Wenceslas, wearing a crown on his head - evidence of his future stay on the throne, and to the left is a small guardian angel. In her left hand, the saint firmly squeezes the veil, which later, according to legend, will be strangled, and with her right hand she points to one of the psalms of the Bible, which little Wenceslas needs to read. The sculpture's pedestal is decorated with a bas-relief depicting the moment of the murder of Prince Wenceslas in the Old Boleslav castle.

Francis of Assisi - Sv. František Serafinský



The sculptural group of three figures, led by the Italian monk and preacher Francis of Assisi, was made by Emmanuel Max in 1855 and installed at the expense of the President of the Royal Scientific Society of the Czech Republic, Count Franz Kolovrat-Liebstein.

Saint Francis is considered the patron saint of Italy, "the most attractive of the saints" and the founder of the Franciscan order. Francis is dressed in a monastic robe with a hood, on his palms and chest stigmata are clearly visible - bleeding ulcers-signs that open on the body in those places where the wounds of the crucified Jesus Christ were located. Their appearance is usually preceded by a state of divine ecstasy, into which the saint plunges at the moment of reading a prayer.

He pushed the pedestal with the statue of the saint slightly forward, behind him - at a distance, the figure is accompanied by two guardian angels. One of them tightly clasps to himself with both hands a huge book - the Bible.

The pedestal itself is made in the Baroque style and is crowned with the inscription: "St. Francis of Assisi in gratitude for the miraculous salvation of Emperor Franz Joseph in February 1853".

Saints Vicentius Ferrer and Procopius of Sazava - Sv. Vincenc Ferrerský a sv. Prokop



This sculptural group was installed in 1712 and belongs to the chisel of Ferdinand Maximilian Brokkoff, one of the great masters of the Czech Baroque. The sculpture is considered one of the most dramatic in terms of overall composition; two saints are depicted here - St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Procopius of Sazavsky, who cast demons to the ground and trample them underfoot. The bas-relief on the pedestal supporting the composition depicts a Turk, a Jew and a devil, who are also symbolically under the heel of the saints.

The plot of the composition is clearly intended to depict the merits of the mentioned saints in converting pagans to the true faith, as well as their successes in the spiritual struggle. But even with a cursory acquaintance with the lives of St. Vincent and St. Procopius, there is some surprise, because they have little in common, except for the neighborhood in this sculptural group. Vincent Ferrer was a Spanish Dominican, preached to the Cathars and is especially revered in the Catholic tradition, while Procopius of Sazavsky, one of the most famous Czech national saints, advocated worship in the Slavic languages ​​and is equally revered in both Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Most likely, there is some mystery here associated with the Prague church and national policy of the 18th century.

Bruncvík - Bruncvík



I have a friend in Prague, a stone knight ... He stands on the bridge and guards the river .... He is about five hundred years old and very young: a stone boy. (M. Tsvetaeva 1923)

These lines of the world famous Russian poetess are dedicated to the sculpture that stands on a high pedestal behind the railing of Charles Bridge. The sculpture was made in 1884 in the studio of the Czech sculptor Ludwig Szimek and installed with funds raised by the citizens of Prague. The former statue, which stood on this site, was badly damaged during the Thirty Years' War during the siege of Prague by the Swedish army, its fragments can still be seen in the branch of the National Museum.

The figure of a lone knight, dressed in armor of the 16th century, stands motionless, in his right hand is the legendary magic sword, in his left is a shield with the coat of arms of the Old Place, at his feet is a lion - a devoted servant and loyal friend who, after the death of Brunzvik, died on his grave ...

According to legend, the Prague youth Brunzvik went on a wandering journey to find a lion for his coat of arms. During the trip, he not only saved the life of the lion, but also acquired a magic sword, which he himself chopped off the heads of enemies. There is no exact answer what became of this sword. Some argue that this sword is allegedly walled up at the base of the Charles Bridge, others - that Brunzvik threw it into the Vltava. All agree on only one thing: when the Czech people need help, a sword will appear and protect the city.
Did Brunzvik really exist ?! Perhaps this is one of those many beautiful legends that are fanned by old Prague.

Nikolay Tolentinsky - Sv. Mikuláš Tolentinský



Since 1708, St. Nicholas of Tolentinsky has been protecting the Charles Bridge from the rampage of the "wild river" of the Vltava. The sculptor Jan Kohl depicted the Saint in the traditional attire of an Augustinian monk with a lily in one hand and a book in the other. An angel is holding a bowl with loaves capable of healing the sick and saving them from misfortune.

The canonical attributes are evidence of the lifetime feat of the Saint, who entered the Augustinian order at an early age. Diligence in the study of theology and renunciation of the world led to an early ordination to the priesthood.

Once the angels called him to Toleto, where he lived until the end of his life, preaching right on the streets calling for an end to the civil war. When a particularly strict fast led the ascetic to a serious illness, he saw the Virgin Mary and St. Augustine. They taught him to create bread covered with the cross and eat it. This healed the priest. With this bread, he raised the dead, and healed the hopelessly sick.

The sculpture of Nicholas of Tolentinsky was commissioned by the Order of the Monks named after St. Augustine. The sculpture was made in the workshop of Jerome Kohl from wood, after some time, with the approval of the order, the youngest son of Jerome, Jan Kohl, sculpted the image in stone. The sculpture was installed on the bridge in the place from where a view of the place where the icon of the Virgin Mary was found, opposite the figure of St. Augustine. In 1969, the statue was replaced with a copy, and the original was placed in the Visegrad Lapidarium of Gorlitsy.

The vision of St. Luitgardy - Sv. Luitgarda neboli Sen Sv. Luitgardy



One of the most valuable sculptural compositions displayed on the Charles Bridge is the “Vision of Saint Luitgarda” sculptural group, created in 1710 by 26-year-old Czech sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun.

The sculpture visually depicts the legend of the dying vision of Luitgarda, a nun of the Cistercian order. In a dream, Jesus Christ appeared to her, crucified on the cross. He bent over the blind nun so that she could heal his wounds with her kiss. Legend tells that after this the nun and Jesus exchanged hearts. Angels frolic around the sculpture around Jesus and Luitgarda, which speaks of the blissful nature of her vision. Jesus himself came for her, came not only to announce her imminent death, but also for healing; she brought joy to people, but her life and service on earth had already ended. Of course, this is just a legend, which is full of Prague, but the life of the nun was really legendary.

Luitgarda was born in Belgium in 1182, as a twelve-year-old girl she was sent to the Benedictine monastery of St. Catherine, and at twenty-three, being already a nun, she became the abbess of the community. Luitgarda joined the order of the Cistercians, known for their strict orders, in 1208. By this time, many people already knew about her gift of prophecy and healing. For the last eleven years of her life, being already blind, she did not stop meeting people and helping them. Saint Luitgarda died in 1246. In the tradition that has come down to us through the centuries, it is said that before the death of Luitgarde there was a vision in which Jesus Christ came to her to inform her of her death. This vision was embodied in the sculpture by the hands of Master Brown. He financed the creation of a sculpture by an abbot of one of the Cistercian monasteries.

After the death of Luitgard, she was canonized. For centuries to this day, she is revered in the Roman Catholic Church and is the patroness of people with disabilities, and it is also believed that she protects the mother and child during childbirth. The memory of Saint Luitgard is immortalized not only in stone, but also in other works of art.

At present, taking into account the historical and cultural value of the sculptural composition "The Vision of St. Luitgarda", in order to preserve it, the original has been replaced with a copy made in 1995 by J. Novak and B. Rak. The work of the hand of Matthias Braun is kept today in Prague in the Lapidarium - a museum of stone sculptures.

Adalbert of Prague - Sv. Vojtěch



The Czech sculptor Mikhail Brokoff finished another sculpture for the Charles Bridge in 1709; it was St. Adalbert (Vojtech) of Prague depicted in stone.

The national saint is depicted in the attire of an archbishop with a gospel and a staff as a symbol of pilgrims. The second after St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech land, St. Vojtech, with ascetic zeal introduced the Czech Republic to the Catholic Church. He was martyred at the hands of barbarians while on a missionary trip to Prague.

Vojtech was born sickly. His parents, in an effort to heal the baby, put him on the altar of St. Mary, and a miracle of healing happened. In gratitude for his salvation, he was assigned to serve the church and the Holy Roman See. The name Vojtech literally means “consolation of the crowd”.

The citizens of Prague several times expelled Adalbert, who demanded too strict adherence to church canons. Appealing to mercy, preaching humility, he was brutally killed. A special merit of the saint is the creation of monasteries and monastic orders in the Czech Republic.

In a moment of death, the ropes that bound him untied, the body took the shape of a cross and a radiance emanated from it. The body, dismembered by the barbarians, has grown together in a miraculous way. To redeem the body, it was decided to pay in gold for its weight. But it turned out to be weightless, and was transferred without a ransom. This was the last return of the Saint to his hometown.

The sculpture of St. Adalbert was commissioned by the member of the Prague Old Town Council, Marcus Gioanelli, whose coat of arms is placed on the sculpture's pedestal. Made in the Brokoff family workshop, father and son, now a copy is installed on the bridge, the original is placed in the Visegrad Lapidarium of Gorlitsy.

St. John de Mata, St. Felix de Valois and John of Bohemia - Sv. Jan z Mathy, Felix z Valois a Ivan



At the same time, the most popular, large-sized and terrifying sculptural group of Charles Bridge, the work of the Czech sculptor Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff, was made in 1714 by order of a wealthy aristocrat, Count J. Thun.

The composition depicts the hermit John of Bohemia, accompanied by the French saints John de Math and Felix de Valois, who in 1199 founded the Catholic monastic order of Trinitarian, which made it possible to ransom captive Christians from the Gentiles.

The sculpture's pedestal is made in the form of a cave, where, behind bars, in the dark, captured Christians pray for mercy. The captives are guarded by a colorful figure of a Turk, personifying the collective image of all Muslims and a dog. A cartouche with an image of an angel hangs over the grate. Saint Felix holds a cartouche with one hand, and gives it to the freed captive with the other.

Behind the saint's back, on a rock, sits on his knee, the hermit John of Bohemia, holding a golden cross in his hands, he silently watches what is happening. To the right of him stands the figure of Saint Ionne de Math, holding shackles, at the feet of the French saint a magical deer, with a golden cross between the horns, obediently settled down. According to legend, it was the image of this animal that pushed the saints to found the order.

St. Wenceslas - Sv. Václav



The statue of St. Wenceslas I - the most revered prince of the Czechs, the patron saint of the Czech lands and Prague, was created in 1858 by the hand of the sculptor Josef Kamil Boehm after sketches by the artist J. Führing. The order for this sculpture was received by J. Boehm from the Prague Society of the Blind, founded in Prague in 1832. A year earlier, the society celebrated its 25th anniversary, this event is evidenced by the inscription engraved on the pedestal: "In memory of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the society of blind children, held in Prague on October 4, 1857".

The Grand Duke stands leaning on his left leg, his right leg is bent at the knee and slightly set aside. On his right hand hangs a shield depicting the coat of arms with the emblem of the eagle and to her, he seems to "hug" the banner. Wenceslas is dressed in princely clothes, his head is crowned with a crown. The prince's neck is stretched out, his chin is directed slightly upward, his eyes are closed, his hands are folded in front of him, he is praying, pressing his palms tightly to each other. The pose betrays in the prince an adherent to Christianity, it was his grandmother, Saint Ludmila, who raised him in the bosom of this religion and instilled in him love for her. Her sculpture is also on the Charles Bridge.

Most of the sculptures are the result of the work of the best sculptors Matthias Bernard Braun and Jan Brokoff, as well as their sons Michael and Jan, with the participation of Ferdinand Maximilian.

Charles Bridge is a work of art, where each sculpture tells a story.

Do not forget to make a wish on the Calovo Bridge, and it will definitely come true!

Also pay attention to the neo-Gothic staircase, which is part of the architectural complex of the bridge. The current staircase leading from the bridge to Kampa Island was built in 1844 and successfully replaces its wooden predecessor.

In addition to sculptures, you can see musicians, artists, souvenir merchants who entertain and earn money on the most legendary bridge in Europe - Charles Bridge!

Prague and bridges

The majestic and mysterious Prague attracts tourists like a magnet. Let's talk about what undoubtedly comes into view - about bridges. Getting to the capital of the Czech Republic, shrouded in secrets and legends, for centuries until the 19th century, residents crossed the river along the only Charles Bridge. Many people think that this is happening now, but this is a big delusion. You will be surprised because bridges in Prague neither more nor less - 18 pieces!

The oldest and most famous throughout Europe, Charles Bridge is sometimes called Black, it was built in the 14th century by order of King Charles IV. Why is he so remarkable? This is not just a pedestrian bridge, but a real museum. It seemed incredibly wide, knightly tournaments and coronation processions, which once took place in these places, left their mark. The bridge has 16 arches and thirteen statues of saints. It is also a bridge where desires come true. Don't believe me? Just rub the statue of Jan of Nepomuk and your most incredible wish will come true - at least that's what the legend says.

Another noticeable bridge in Prague once called the bridge of the intelligentsia. It has only one flight less than Karlov. This is the Branicki railway bridge, but also a pedestrian one. By itself, it is not particularly beautiful, but it is notable for the fact that in the 50s of the last century it was built by representatives of the repressed intelligentsia.

But Nuselsky Bridge in Prague is covered with many legends and a mystical halo. Yes, this very bridge of suicides, on which suicidal elements seek to commit suicide. Disappointed people flocked here like moths to the light to commit suicide and plunge into darkness.

Prague bridges map

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Charles Bridge: 50.086418, 14.411488

Legia Bridge: 50.081296, 14.410329

Irasekov Bridge: 50.075582, 14.411380

Palatsky Bridge: 50.072814, 14.412260

Vysehrad railway bridge: 50.066891, 14.413548

Manesov Most: 50.089502, 14.412775

Chekhov Most: 50.092999, 14.417024

Stefanikov Bridge: 50.094265, 14.427109

Glavkov Most: 50.095697, 14.437065

Libensky Bridge: 50.103295, 14.459982

Barricades Bridge: 50.113423, 14.445305

Nuselsky Most: 50.066671, 14.430370

Barrandovsky Bridge: 50.038923, 14.407325

Branicki bridge: 50.026794, 14.397733

Troy Bridge: 50.112267, 14.435949