Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge (Czech: Karl?v most {{Audio|Cs-Karluv most.ogg|listen}}) is a famous historical bridge crossing the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in 1400. As the only means of crossing the river in Prague, Charles Bridge used to be the most important connection between the Old Town, Prague Castle and adjacent areas till 1841. Also this 'solid-land' connection made Prague important as a trade route between east and west Europe. The bridge was originally called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) or the Prague Bridge (Pra?ský most) but has been the "Charles Bridge" since 1870.

Related Topics:
Czech - Bridge - Vltava - Prague - Czech Republic - 1357 - Charles IV - 1400 - Prague Castle - 1841 - 1870

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The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 m wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.

Related Topics:
Lesser Quarter - Old Town - Gothic - Baroque - 1700

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