Charles Bridge is the most important Gothic monument of old Prague. Of all the medieval bridges in Europe, it is the best preserved.
This is the oldest bridge across the Vltava River in the Czech capital and the second oldest surviving bridge in the entire country (the oldest bridge in the Czech Republic is the stone bridge in Písek).
Once upon a time, the site of the Charles Bridge was occupied by the Judith Bridge. It was built during the reign of Vladislav II, but survived until the reign of Charles IV. The city grew, was actively built up, trade was in full swing, and the old bridge’s cross-country capacity was no longer sufficient. The construction of a new, more modern bridge became inevitable after the flood of 1342 almost completely destroyed the Judith Bridge. It was necessary to reconnect the Old Town with the Mala Strana district.
The task was entrusted to Charles IV’s favorite architect, Petr Parler, who also participated in the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. The bridge took 45 years, or more than 16,000 days, to build.
People were extremely superstitious in those days, and the Czech monarch was no exception. Astrologers calculated the date and time when construction should begin so that the bridge would be indestructible and last for centuries. Thus, on July 9, 1357, at 5:31 a.m., Charles IV personally laid the first stone in the foundation of the bridge.
Perhaps the astrologers were not mistaken: the bridge has survived many wars, battles and uprisings, several floods, and still does not require major repairs.
Source: travelworld.biz