Strolling to Charles Bridge in Prague

Now I feel refreshed.  Slept for 2 hours.  Got dressed....and off we go to see the famous Charles Bridge.

Cafes and restaurant all over.  Every little corner of this amazing town.

The Old Town Bridge Tower is the entrance to the Charles Bridge.  It can be climbed....oh you know we did.  Photos to follow on another day.

Construction began on the Charles Bridge in 1357 and was completed in the early 15th century.  Because of massive flooding it needed to be very, very strong.  At one time it was the only crossing available over the Vltava River.  Originally called 'The Stone Bridge.'  It is 621 meters long and almost 10 meters wide.  It is almost 6 football fields long!!  With 16 beautiful arches.

Since 1978 Charles Bridge has been a permanent pedestrian only structure.

A great view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge.  Deb and I are excited to explore the castle which is the largest ancient castle in the world.  Over 1.8 million visitors a year.

It is located in the Castle Quarter part of the city of Prague.

Violinists serenading the crowds in the evening on the bridge.

The Legion Bridge next to the Charles Bridge.  Quite impressive in it's own right at night.

Each time we visited the bridge this group of men were rocking it out on the bridge.  They were great.

 There are a total of 30 statues decorating the Charles Bridge.

Most were erected between 1683 to 1714.  However, I was surprised to learn, that since 1965 they have all been slowly replaced with replicas.  It definitely doesn't take anything away from them, they are exquisite.

I don't think Prague sleeps.  The bridge is completely full of people.

The view looking back towards the Old Town from Charles Bridge.

Back at the Old Town Square with the Tyn Church all lit up.

Heading to bed and planning to be busy tomorrow.

"Dobrou noc" 

(Good night in Czech)