The Rich Context of Charles Bridge Statues History

The Charles Bridge is a masterpiece of Gothic engineering. It was commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357. However, the Charles Bridge statues history mostly dates to the Baroque era. These statues were added to inspire the public with religious stories.

They transformed the bridge into a stunning open-air gallery. This site is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. You should include it in your list of what to see in Prague during your trip.

Most of the figures you see today are actually high-quality replicas. The original stone carvings suffered from weather and floods. You can find the original pieces in the National Museum's Lapidarium. This preservation ensures the history stays alive for future generations.

12 Essential Statues and Sites on Charles Bridge

There are 30 statues on the bridge in total. Most of them are replicas of the original Baroque works. You can find more information on the Prague tourism portal about current exhibits. Below are the most significant statues and sites you should see.

• Best overall: St. John of Nepomuk
• Best for views: Old Town Bridge Tower
• Best for art: St. Luthgard
• Best for history: The Crucifix and Calvary

1. Name: St. John of Nepomuk Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. It commemorates the saint who was martyred here in 1393. Best for: History lovers and those seeking good luck. Where: North side, near the middle of the bridge. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the middle of the bridge from either side. Tip: Check our guide on where to find St. John Nepomuk statue for the exact spot.
2. Name: The Crucifix and Calvary Type: sight Why go: This is the oldest sculpture group on the bridge. It features a gold-plated bronze crucifix from the 17th century. Best for: Religious history enthusiasts. Where: Close to the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Look for the Hebrew inscription around the cross which has a unique history.
3. Name: St. Luthgard Type: sight Why go: Many experts consider this the most beautiful statue. It was carved by Matthias Braun when he was only 26. Best for: Art students and Baroque fans. Where: South side, near the Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Mala Strana side entrance. Tip: Notice the emotional expression on the saint's face as she dreams of Christ.
4. Name: St. Francis Xavier Type: sight Why go: This statue depicts the famous missionary to Asia. It features figures of different ethnicities supporting the saint. Best for: People interested in global history. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the south side of the bridge. Tip: The original was lost in a flood and this is a detailed replica.
5. Name: St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: St. Vitus is the patron saint of the Prague Cathedral. He is shown surrounded by lions in this dynamic sculpture. Best for: Learning about Czech patron saints. Where: Middle section of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the center of the bridge. Tip: Compare this style to the statues found at Prague Castle.
6. Name: St. Christopher Type: sight Why go: Christopher is the patron saint of travelers. He is shown carrying the Christ child across the water. Best for: Modern travelers seeking protection. Where: Above the Kampa Island entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the middle of the bridge toward Mala Strana. Tip: This statue offers a great backdrop for photos of the river.
7. Name: St. Augustine Type: sight Why go: This statue honors one of the great philosophers of the church. He is shown holding a burning heart. Best for: Philosophy and theology fans. Where: Near the Lesser Town end. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Mala Strana bridge tower. Tip: Look for the small angel at the saint's feet.
8. Name: St. Jude Thaddeus Type: sight Why go: Known as the saint of lost causes. People often leave flowers here during difficult times. Best for: A moment of quiet reflection. Where: North side, toward the middle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from the main pedestrian path. Tip: He is depicted holding a club, the instrument of his martyrdom.
9. Name: St. Cajetan Type: sight Why go: This statue features a beautiful column representing the Holy Trinity. It was created in 1709 by Ferdinand Brokoff. Best for: Baroque sculpture fans. Where: Near the Lesser Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the north side of the bridge. Tip: Notice the intricate clouds and angels carved into the stone.
10. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: This Gothic tower offers the best view of the statues from above. You can see the entire span of the bridge. Best for: Photographers and view seekers. Where: The Old Town entrance to the bridge. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the stairs. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Read about climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower steps before you go.
11. Name: Kampa Island Type: nature Why go: This peaceful island is located right under the bridge. It offers a break from the crowds and great views. Best for: Families and couples. Where: Under the Lesser Town side of the bridge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs down from the bridge. Tip: Visit the nearby park to see the famous giant baby sculptures.
12. Name: Lesser Town Square Type: experience Why go: This square is the heart of the Mala Strana district. It is home to the stunning St. Nicholas Church. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: A short walk from the bridge end. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to walk, fee for church. Getting there: Walk straight off the bridge into Mala Strana. Tip: Follow our Mala Strana sightseeing route to see the best spots.

Practical Tips for Your History Walk

Visiting this historic site requires some planning. The bridge is one of the most crowded spots in Europe. To enjoy the Charles Bridge statues history, you must arrive early. The light at dawn makes the sculptures look magical.

For more photography tips, see our guide on the best time to visit Charles Bridge for photos. Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestones are very uneven. The bridge is about 516 meters long, so take your time.

Watch out for pickpockets in the dense crowds. Keep your bags in front of you at all times. Also, avoid buying food directly on the bridge as it is expensive. Walk a few streets away for better prices and local flavors.

Historic Attractions Near the Bridge

The bridge is a gateway between two historic districts. After seeing the statues, explore the surrounding areas. The Prague Castle complex guide can help you plan your next stop. Both sides of the river offer incredible history.

You can also see original Baroque art at the National Gallery Prague nearby. Many of the bridge's original statues are safely stored in museums. This allows you to compare the replicas with the weathered originals. Exploring the nearby streets will reveal even more hidden gems.