Schmap Prague Charles Bridge, Lesser Quarter & Castle District

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Prague - Charles Bridge, Lesser Quarter & Castle District
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The Old Town Bridge Tower is the most appropriate place to start this tour. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, both perched above the red-roofed Lesser Quarter across the Vltava River. Straddling the Charles Bridge, the tower was partially destroyed by invading Swedes in 1648, yet a handful of sculptures facing Old Town have survived to date.

The stone Charles Bridge has linked the Old Town and Lesser Quarter since the 14th century. Of the 30 statues lining the bridge, the oldest (eighth on the right) is that of St. John Nepomuk (1683), who was drowned in the Vltava River below on the orders of Wenceslas IV for refusing to disclose the secret confessions of his wife, the queen. A center of activity for centuries, the bridge today buzzes with street performers and artists, selling their wares alongside visitors strolling lazily back and forth.

Reaching the Lesser Quarter side, the St Vitus Cathedral, crowning Castle Hill, dominates the skyline to the right while The Lesser Quarter Bridge Towers frame the quaint cobbling of buildings closely surrounding the bridge. Pass under the tower arches onto Mostecka Street and turn left on Lazenska Street to the romanesque-gothic Church of Our Lady In Chains, the oldest place of worship in the Lesser Quarter. Continue through the adjoining Velkoprevoske namesti, past the Museum of Czech Music, housing a fine collection of musical instruments and manuscripts. At the bottom of the square, a small bridge crosses the Certovska channel to peaceful Kampa Island, a favorite gathering space for young and old alike on its huge lawns.

Retrace your steps to the far side of Velkoprevoske namesti which leads to Maltese Square, where the Ministry of Culture stands in the posh Palais Nostiz. Turn right at the main street, Karmelitska, and continue on to the Lesser Quarter Square (Malostranske namesti), dominated by the massive, high-baroque St Nicholas' Church from the early 1700s. The attention to detail in the green domed structure is amazing, especially the overwhelming ceiling frescoes inside.

Circle around the church to steep Nerudova Street, lined with a smorgasbord of baroque, neo-classical and renaissance buildings. The views from the top of Nerudova, back towards the Lesser Quarter and Old Town, make the climb worthwhile. Before entering the Castle proper, dip into the Castle Square's Schwarzenberg Palace which houses the Museum of Military History, and the Sternberg Palace, which contains the National Gallery's excellent collection of pieces from various European artists.

Two stoically dressed Czech soldiers on the ground and the massive Battling Titans statues above guard the wrought-iron gate entrance to the Castle's first courtyard. The stone Matthias Gate frames the narrow entrance to the Second Courtyard, highlighted by the Chapel of the Holy Cross to the right and the Castle Gallery, housing a collection of rediscovered Habsburg works of art from the 16th and 17th century, to the left. Further left, a causeway leads across the Stag Moat to the beautifully landscaped Royal Gardens.

The spires of the gothic St Vitus Cathedral, completed in 1929, direct you to the giant Third Courtyard, the heart of the Castle. Just opposite, Czech kings did not have to travel far to the Royal Palace. Take the Bull Staircase beside the palace to find the best view of the city from the Rampart Gardens and Ledeburg Gardens.

Beyond the cathedral lies the red, weathered Basilica of St George, the city's best romanesque interior. Circumvent the basilica and turn left uphill to the famous Golden Lane, one-time home to Franz Kafka, lined with tiny shops selling arts and crafts. Descend the steps at the lane's end and turn right to Lobkowicz Palace housing the Historical Museum. From the adjacent Black Tower, take in one last panoramic view of the city below before descending the Old Castle Steps.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Charles Bridge

Prague's number one attraction

Malá Strana
Prague 11000
Czech Republic
+420 2 2422 0569

Take in a busker's tune or simply enjoy stunning views of the castle above and river below. Linking the Lesser Side with the Old Town, the pedestrian bridge's foundation stone was laid in 1357 on July 9th at 5:31am (note the sequence: 1357 9 7 531); it was believed that a sequence of odd numbers would secure successful construction. Between 1683 and 1928, 30 statues of saints were placed along the bridge. At statue 16, there is a plaque, which visitors can rub to give them good luck and ensure their return to Prague.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Jan Koch

Photo: Dave Goodman

Photo: Dave Sag

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Charles Bridge photo by Aleksandar Juloski

Photo: Aleksandar Juloski

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Charles Bridge photo by Matthew Fergusson

Photo: Matthew Fergusson

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Photo: WILSON FRANÇA

Charles Bridge photo by Jaroslav Zakravsky

Photo: Jaroslav Zakravsky

Charles Bridge photo by Andrew Malcovsky

Photo: Andrew Malcovsky

Charles Bridge photo by Haukur Sigurðsson

Photo: Haukur Sigurðsson

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Charles Bridge photo by Jonathan Sutcliffe

Photo: Jonathan Sutcliffe

Photo: exchman

Charles Bridge photo by Maria Luciana Rincon Tamanini

Photo: Maria Luciana Rincon Tamanini

Charles Bridge photo by Isidro Vila Verde

Photo: Isidro Vila Verde

Prague Castle

Historic building overlooking the city Ke Hradu
Prague 11800
Czech Republic
+420 2 2171 4444 (Tourist Information Centre) The castle was originally the seat of Czech royalty and nobility but is now the residence and offices of the Czech President. However, President Masaryk updated and modernized the buildings in the 1920s. Lined on three sides by palaces (with the fourth by its main gate), there are a number of galleries and gardens to visit as well as the Military Museum. The Changing of the Guard takes place every hour on the hour; at noon expect an elaborate ceremony. The galleries and museum are closed on Mondays.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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