Thursday's Child: Charles Bridge, Prague

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Photo used courtesy of Commons

The Charles Bridge links two of the most beautiful districts of Prague, The Old Town and Mala Strana (Lesser Town).  It is one of eighteen bridges that span the Vltava River, which winds its way through the city.  But the Charles Bridge is one of the loveliest bridges I’ve ever seen for one reason: the stunning statues that stand guard along both sides of the bridge. 
This bridge is probably the most popular sight in Prague.  It’s also a way for pedestrians to travel from one part of the city to the other. For that reason it’s almost always busy with tourists.  When we visited one evening it was downright crowded, although still charming with its mix of street performers and artists.  My favourite time to visit was just before breakfast on our final day in Prague, when the rising sun and handful of visitors lent it a solemn, pensive air. 
More than any other place in the world, Prague was a city that I dreamed about visiting.  From the time I first read about it, twenty years passed before I actually got there.  And thanks in part to these glorious statues, it was worth every minute of the wait. 


33 comments:

Mary said...

Simply breathtaking photos, Beth. What a beautiful bridge.

Neesie said...

Brilliant Beth...I adore the first photo but in fact they are all spectacular.
I'm a morning person myself but thankfully not everyone is, so I often get to peek at the day before it unfolds.
I think it’s a special time of the day and your photos show the benefits of an early rise! :D

Anonymous said...

What a great view!

Pam said...

Another place I want to visit. I love, love, love the first photo.

Bonnie said...

Beth, I have alway read Prague is absolutely wonderful. Thanks for taking us along. Bonnie

Valerie Gamine said...

Wow, those photos are stunning! I especially love the first one, the way the sunlight hits the statue is just perfect.

Claudia said...

You just re-ignited my dream to visit Prague. I came close when I studied in Austria but the Cold War shut us down. Sigh - so lovely.

Belinda said...

So dreamy...have always heard amazing things about Prague. OK, fine, back on the list.

Barbara Jean said...

Prague is on my list of places I must go see... lovely photos!

Joanne said...

I especially like the first photo, which really gives us a certain atmosphere. Beautiful.

Stina said...

I was reading a book that took place in Prague. Now that I've seen these photos, maybe I'll go back to reading the it. :)

Vi said...

So beautiful. Love the photo at dusk. I think the best way to see a city is often at night.

Anonymous said...

It's so wonderful when the reality lives up to your dreams. That happened to me when I got to visit The Cloisters in NYC. That moment, when you realize it really is true? Is so beyond perfect.

I find the bridges in Europe to be so incredibly captivating. To imagine 18 bridges across the river is kind of surreal, really.

Unknown said...

The top photo is hauntingly beautiful, makes me want to walk that bridge in person!

Beth said...

Kat, I'd love to see the Cloisters someday too. I hope I love them as much as you did!

shaz said...

I too dream of visiting Prague. Let's hope it doesn't take me another 20 years before I get there :) Beautiful photos, especially the early morning one.

Lorraine said...

Just breathtaking! What a sight that must have been to see:)

Anonymous said...

Lovely bridge, lovely statues, lovely light!

julie said...

Prague is a truly gorgeous city. I have been on this bridge and I remember it being one of the highlights of my visit to the city as well. The street performers that lined the way were almost as memorable to me as the statues! Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories. :)

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to visit Prague. It looks gorgeous. Thanks for sharing pictures and memories of it.

Anonymous said...

Lovely! I hope to see this in person someday.

Barbara said...

I've never been to Prague, Beth. I'd love to see it. Your photos are wonderful!

Simply Life said...

oh my, prague is someplace my husband and I REALLY hope to visit one day! these pictures are gorgeous!

Lynne Daley said...

I would love to visit there, especially after seeing your lovely photos!

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never been to Prague. These photos are wonderful.

Miriam said...

What a beautiful city :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

Anna said...

I went to Prague before getting married and absolutely fell in love with everything about it. I'd love to go back one day with my husband, I know he would love it too. Gorgeous pictures, totally made me nostalgic!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I've heard such marvelous things about Prague...hope to visit one day! Your top photo is amazing...love the mist as the sun is rising~

Katerina said...

Yes, Prague is definitely one of the destinations I want to go! And it is so very close to Greece. But you know life gets in the way and you just postpone it for next year. It looks so beautiful!

Elaine said...

A friend of mine visited Prague a few years ago while her son was studying there and it just looks and sounds like a marvelous city to explore.

Josh said...

Charles bridge is one of the many iconic places Prague has to offer. I learnt a lot about the city in my recent City breaks in Prague. Thought I should share. Nice blog though.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Beautiful! I so enjoy seeing other people's travel pictures. :)

Kayte said...

So beautiful...thank you for posting these...it feels like a lovely Lenten thing to take some time to reflect on them.

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