Prague’s Charles Bridge: a must-see site for visitors to this ancient city
Prague’s Charles Bridge is now made of stone, but was first made of wood back around 900 AD. The first bridge was wiped out by a flood on the Vltava River where it was rebuilt and now stands as a massive stone structure and one of the main tourist venues of this popular city. There are historical statues along the bridge, representing figures from civic and religious life in the time since the Charles Bridge began to serve the citizenry of Prague. Even the Dalai Lama has walked across this famous bridge, which for many centuries was the only way to get in or out of the city of Prague.
One of the most interesting features of the bridge in modern times is the proximity to the old Prague castle and the adjacent cobble streets leading to the castle. It is a great place to stand and watch the river traffic, which mostly consists of small tour boats, and to shop from the many artists and crafts people who sell their wares on both sides of the bridge. In fact, many people visit the bridge just to have the chance to linger and see the mimes, musicians, puppeteers, painters, jewelers, potters, and other artists who have tables or displays on the bridge and entertain tourists for tips or sell wares in exchange for a few dollars.
By all means visit the Charles Bridge, but give yourself an hour or two to stroll and linger, because there is more to do there than just walk over the historic Vltava River.