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Charles Bridge, Prague

Elisabeth Yorck von Wartenburg/mmMay 9, 2016

Bohemian kings once crossed the Charles Bridge on their way to their coronations, now tourists cross it on their way to and from Prague’s old town. The bridge is an obligatory sight in the Golden City.

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The Charles Bridge across the Vltava is one of Europe’s oldest stone bridge. Charles IV initiated its construction in 1357 to connect the Old Town and the Lesser Quarter with the Prague Castle. Today, it’s closed to vehicle traffic. The bridge is a world to itself, frequented by souvenir peddlers, buskers and visitors posing for group photos.

The bridge stands as a symbol of Prague. Its pillars are topped with statues of saints, the most famous of which is that of the Czech capital’s patron saint John of Nepomuk. Touching the bronze plaque of a dog at his feet is said to bring luck.