Greetings! In today’s post, I warmly invite you to join me on a peaceful tour of Charles Bridge. This iconic bridge is one of the city’s most beloved attractions, with around 30,000 visitors crossing it each day (hell yes, crazy busy). However, in this blog, I want to guide you through an early morning adventure, before the hustle and bustle begins. Discover the history, the statues, and the many hidden details that are often overlooked because of the crowds.
Who is writing this blog for you?
My name is Dana, and I am a local Prague guide. However, I don’t have an umbrella, I don’t use a microphone, and I don’t guide big groups around the stereotypical busy routes. With my service, I strive to support respectful and sustainable tourism in Prague. What does it mean? For instance I would never take you to Charles Bridge during the peak hours—it’s simply chaotic and overrun with tourists. For me, the right timing is key. If we wake up a couple of hours before the crowds come, we can catch Prague in its peaceful glory. So, my advise? Come earlier, before the touristy circus open its doors.
Where shall we start?
At Křížovnické náměstí. A small square, isn’t it? However, it´s full of fascinating details, sculptures, and buildings. Also, make sure to look down under your feet! You’ll discover cobblestones that date back to the 12th century. These old stones you can find around the so called “Grape column” near the road. They are remnants of paving of even older bridge that once stood almost where the Charles Bridge is today, known as Judita’s Bridge. Unfortunately Judita’s Bridge collapsed, which is why the famous Charles Bridge now stands in its place (since 1357).
Hidden details under your feet
Have you found the cobble stones from the 12th century? But wait, there are even more details under your feet. Let´s explore them now together. Near the entrance to the Church of St. Francis of Seraph, you can see a colorful symbol made of tiny cobblestones. The symbol represents the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, the only Catholic order that was founded within Czech lands. An even more interesting fact is that it is the only male order in the world established by a woman!! By our patron saint, St. Agnes of Bohemia. In 13th century. The church still belongs to this order, and the adjacent building serves as the order’s convent. As you can see, cobblestones can always provide valuable clues about your surroundings.
And the last detail on the ground you shouldn’t miss is in front of the bridge tower. Inbuilt in the sidewalk, there is a round symbol of a crown. This marks the spot where the “Grape column” once stood, holding a sculpture of our main patron saint St. Wenceslas. It was intentionally placed there so that people couldn’t miss it and had to pay their respects to St. Wenceslas—who is also the patron of wine and winemaking. This is why you’ll find grape leaves growing around the column. The column is now placed near the road. Because it was getting in the way a little too much. 🙂Can you imagine it today, standing there as 30,000 people pass by every day? Uaaaah!
Meet Charles! Of course, he is here with us!
Right beside the bridge tower, you will find a bronze sculpture representing our greatest king and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, who lived during the 14th century. Under his reign, Prague became the capital of the entire empire, marking a truly golden age for our city. This is also the reason we have the magnificent bridge and the prestigious Charles University, which he established in 1348 and is active until today!
The sculpture captures the moment of the university’s founding. Notice how Charles is holding a document—this is the founding charter of Charles University. As for the ladies surrounding him, many people mistakenly believe they are his wives (he really had four, one after the other). However, in this case, these women are not queens; they represent the allegories of the first four faculties of Charles University: law, medicine, theology, and philosophy!
Bridge Tower and its secrets
This is a beautiful triumphal arch through which the coronation processions were entering Charles Bridge and later followed up to the Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral where the rulers were crowned. When you are standing under the painted ceiling of the tower, you will see a giant crown right above your head.
As you can see, the tower is also decorated with various sculptures. So, how do we understand the hidden meaning of this structure? Essentially, the tower reflects how people in medieval times perceived the hierarchy of life. The front side of the tower is divided into four sections that represent this hierarchy:
- Earthly (Terrestrial) sphere
- Lunar sphere
- Solar sphere
- Celestial sphere
Earthly sphere: represents the lowest part of the tower and also the lowest instincts of people and their vices. As you can see, on the left side there are small reliefs. Depicting for example a nun with a man who is touching her under her skirt!
Lunar sphere: the upper level (the arch) is representing the lunar sphere. Note the tiny reliefs (crabs) around it; there are 28 of them, like days of the lunar month. There are also shields of the lands ruled by Charles IV. In the center of the arch there is a coat of arms of Prague Old Town.
Solar Sphere: on this level you you can see Charles IV. next to the shield that features the Imperial Eagle – symbol of Holy Roman Empire that he ruled. Centrally placed is a relief of Charles Bridge alongside its patron saint, St. Vitus. To the right, you will find Charles’s son, Wenceslas IV. and also the historical coat of arms of the Czech lands—a white lion against a red background. Surrounding this composition is a triangular arch with 24 reliefs (crabs), symbolizing the 24 hours of the day.
Celestial Sphere: Finally, the top level represents the celestial sphere. Here you can see two patron saints of our country (two of many others, actually): Saint Adalbert (Vojtěch) and Saint Sigmund (Zikmund).
The oldest decoration of the bridge
Now we can slowly enter the Charles Bridge and stand by the right side. When you take a close look or maybe use zoom on your phone, look at the embankment wall. There is a tiny, almost invisible bas-relief depicting the head of a man. We call him “Bradáč,” literally translated as “chin man.” You can find him next to the water measuring instrument. This relief was a part of the original decoration of Judita’s Bridge from the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, it served as a warning against floods—once the water reached the man’s chin, it was time to evacuate people in the Old Town because the water was on the rise.
Sculptures: who are they and how can we interpret the motifs?
Charles Bridge is kind of an open-air gallery featuring 30 sculptures (the 31st is hidden on one of the bridge’s pillars—see if you can spot it!). Charles Bridge is open for free 24/7. So, let’s now explore the meanings behind the sculptures!
The sculptures you see all around you were installed on the bridge later than when the bridge was built. When Charles Bridge was constructed (14th century), it was just a plain stone bridge meant for crossing. Did you know it wasn’t even called Charles Bridge at that time? People called it the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, and for almost 500 years it was the only stone bridge in Prague! The name Charles Bridge is relatively “new”—from the end of the 19th century.
But let’s get back to the sculptures! They have been placed there since the 17th century, and they represent various local and foreign saints and patron saints of our country, many versions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, and their life stories.
Each sculpture is depicted with so-called “attributes” – symbols or allegorical motifs related to their lives. Thanks to them, you can easily recognize the person. We don’t have to walk too far for a good example. The first sculpture on the left is St. Ivo, the patron saint of lawyers. As you can see, he is accompanied by a blindfolded woman — that symbolizes Justice — reminding us that justice is indeed blind.
Jesus Christ is often depicted with instruments of his Passion—arma Christi—instruments of his suffering: e.g. cross, nails, crown of thorns, INRI board (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum), hammer, holy sponge, or for example, the Veronica veil / Veraikon, a piece of fabric that was given to Jesus by St. Veronica to wipe his face. The face then stayed imprinted in the fabric. Try to find some of the other instruments on the sculpture opposite to Ivo. You will find them in the group of sculptures depicting the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus, accompanied by St. Bernard.
Chronograms: hidden messages from the past
Under many sculptures you can also find latin inscription. Often in a beautifully decorates cartouches. Don´worry if you don´t understand latin. There is often hidden also other meaning. Look closer and you will see that some of the letters are written as CAPITALS (even in the middle of the sentence). These are roman numerals. If you count them all together you will learn the date when the sculpture was created.
Best example of chornogram you will find almost at the end of the bridge, on the Lesser Town side. There is a sculpture of St. Cosma and Damian (accompanied by Jesus Salvator), both patron saints of doctors and medical workers. This artwork was commissioned by the medical faculty of Charles University. Curious about when it was created? The chronogram holds the answer! Examine the cartouche with the inscription: IesV ChrIsto orbIs MeDICo (Jesus Christ healer of the world) and count all the Roman numerals. The total is 1709, the year when the sculpture was crafted!
Now look down from the bridge!
Many people are absolutely fascinated by the views of Prague Castle while walking on the Charles Bridge. It truly is an epic view! However, take a moment to look also under the bridge! Can you see the wooden triangle constructions in front of the pillars? These are icebreakers. Yes! Winters were really tough here back in the days, and around Charles Bridge, there is the shallowest part of the river, so people were often ice skating and playing hockey under the bridge. But then in spring, when everything started to melt, the bridge was in danger. The big pieces of ice could damage it. And that’s why in front of every pillar there is a wooden icebreaker, a protection against flowing ice.
Btw, did you know that river ice was actually an extremely valuable commodity back in the day? Before people started to use refrigerators on a massive scale, the Prague ice was absolutely essential for restaurants, butchers, pubs (cold beer is a must!!!!), hospitals…. Each restaurant or pub kept the ice in deep cellars. There was even a facility known as the “Ice House,” where they successfully stored ice year-round to supplied local businesses!
Now it´s time to grab a bite!
It’s early and maybe you didn’t even have breakfast. So where to grab a bite here? Once you cross Charles Bridge, I always like to stop at a local tiny bakery called Torto. If you come early, you can taste their (still warm) “koláče” or “buchty” for super friendly prices, nothing too overpriced! Or if you want a proper breakfast, sit down and chill a bit, check out “Bistro Monk 2”. Bon Appétit!
What else to explore around Charles Bridge?
Guys, there is so much to see and do! The area of Lesser Town is lovely, especially in the morning, very peaceful when you only meet locals walking their dogs or going to work. Yesterday (June 30, 2025) I was going to pick up my clients in their accommodation and it was around 9 AM, and it was a blast! Empty streets, tranquil atmosphere, no rushing tourists, no tour groups, no shouting guides…but this only happens in the morning:-))
After crossing Charles Bridge go to see:
- The John Lennon Wall is truly fantastic in the morning, allowing you to capture photos without the hustle and bustle of hundreds of people vying for the perfect Instagram shot.
- Kampa Island and the Crawling Babies by David Černý
- Church of Our Lady Victorious (Baby Jesus of Prague)
- And my favorite activity: climb Charles Bridge Tower for the best views. During the first opening hour, there is even a 50% discount on the entry fee!
Did you find my tips for Charles Bridge helpful? If you’d like to support my writings on sustainable tourism in Prague, you can buy me a virtual coffee or join me on a tour! Thank you so much! And thank you also for supproting small local business and respectful tourism in my hometown.
And that’s a wrap! Enjoy your morning walk to the fullest! And please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to see Prague with me. In a less touristy way, without umbrella and in a nice personable atmosphere.
dana@praguebehindthescenes.com
Dana 🙂
Where to next?
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