Discovering the Treasured Statues of Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Prague, attracting millions of visitors every year.

The bridge is lined with a series of statues, each one with its own unique history and significance. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of these statues and the role they have played in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

One of the most notable features of the Charles Bridge is the series of 30 statues that line its sides.

Today the statues are gradually being replaced by copies for reasons of preservation.

These statues were added in the 17th and 18th centuries, and each one represents a different aspect of the city’s religious and cultural heritage. The oldest statue is that of Saint John of Nepomuk, who is considered a patron saint of Bohemia.

The statue of St. John of Nepomuk is one of the most recognizable statues on the Charles Bridge. It depicts the saint holding a cross, and it is said to have special powers that protect the city from floods. This statue has become a symbol of hope and protection for the people of Prague, and it is one of the most popular attractions on the bridge.

It is said that if you place your hand there in such a way as to reach one of the stars your wish will come true.

The statue of St. John of Nepomuk

One notable statue on the Charles Bridge is the statue of St. Vitus, who was a martyr in the early Christian church. This statue depicts the saint holding a cross and a palm frond, and it is said to have special powers that protect the city from disease and illness. This statue is one of the oldest on the bridge, and it is considered a symbol of Prague’s rich cultural heritage.

Another important statue on the Charles Bridge is the statue of St. Luthgard, who was a medieval abbess and saint. This statue depicts the saint holding a book, and it is said to have special powers that protect the city from fires and other disasters. It is considered one of the most beautiful on the bridge, and it is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

St. Luthgard

We can also find the statue of St. Francis of Assisi, who was a Catholic friar and the founder of the Franciscan order. This statue depicts the saint holding a book and a bird, and it is said to have special powers that protect the city from poverty and hunger.

Another important statue on the bridge is the statue of St. Wenceslaus, who was the Duke of Bohemia and a patron saint of the Czech people. It depicts the saint on horseback, and it is a symbol of his bravery and leadership.

There is also the statue of St. Adalbert, who was a bishop and martyr in the early Christian church.

St. Adalbert

In addition, you can admire the statue of the Czech philosopher and educator John Amos Comenius, who was an influential figure in the Czech Republic during the 17th century. This statue depicts Comenius holding a book, and it is a symbol of his contributions to education and culture.

Other interesting statues

St. Francis Xavier statue from 1711 made by F. M. Brokoff is situated on the left side, if you look at the bridge from the Old Town Bridge Tower. It is the most valuable statue of this sculptor on the Charles Bridge. St. Francis was a missionary in exotic countries and the statue depicts him with the pagans. This statue fell to the river together with a part of the Charles Bridge during a flood in 1890. A replica was placed there later.

St. Ludmila and little Wenceslas statue represents the first Czech Christian martyr St. Ludmila, the grandmother of Czech patron St. Wenceslas. The statue was made by Matthias Bernard Braun around 1720. St. Ludmila statue has a veil in her hand, which symbolizes her death: she was strangled. The murder of St. Wenceslas is depicted on a relief on a pedestal. The original of this statue is placed in the Gorlice at Vysehrad.

The only marble statue on the Charles Bridge is the St. Philip Benitius statue from 1714. The area underneath the statue is called The Venice of Prague.

Why are statues on Charles Bridge black?

Most of the statues on Charles Bridge are made of sandstone. This material is very sensitive to air pollution and thus overtime turns darker until it’s almost black. Some statues on Charles bridge have been recently renovated, so you can see the original color of sandstone on these.