Karlův most a Pražský
Hrad | Charles Bridge and
Prague Castle
Photo:
Rashed Chowdhury
Built
in 1357, Charles Bridge is
named after its patron, Holy Roman Emperor Charles
IV. For many centuries Prague's
only bridge across the Vltava,
Charles Bridge is now open only to pedestrian traffic, and is the haunt
of many a portrait and landscape artist. It also features numerous
statues of Catholic saints, whose staffs were recently re-gilded.
From the bridge, a wide view opens onto Pražský Hrad, or
Prague
Castle. This ensemble of buildings dating from various periods has been
the residence of Czech dukes, kings and presidents for several
centuries. It was reportedly founded in 880 by Duke Bořivoj.
