the lighter side

From the Prague Castle, we walked our way to the historic Charles Bridge (Karluv Most). There were still so many tourists in spite of its being reconstructed right now. Another site has more on this.

This bridge is known for its famous sculpture gallery, statues (30 in all) of saints lining both its sides, most of which were erected between the 17th and 18th centuries. The oldest statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk, erected 1683, on the spot from which the saint was thrown into the Vltava.

If we touch a little bit of history: The Charles Bridge, 516 m. long 9.5 m. wide, connects the Old Town and Mala Strana (the Lesser Town). This has been a pedestrian-only bridge, since when, I wonder. (A 69-year-old Czech friend said, it has been a foot bridge since he was a small boy, as far as he can remember). This was built by Charles IV in the year 1357. Historians say that the king commissioned royal astrologers to study when would be the best time for the bridge to be built and they came up with 9th of July; began at 5:31 in the morning. This could then be written as: 135797531. The symmetry of the numbers is fascinating, odd numbers ascending then descending with the number 9 at the center. Anyway, whatever is the meaning of that, we leave it to the wise men. I’ve read that these numbers are carved on the Old Town Bridge Tower. I wish I could see these inscriptions.

Here are some pics taken when we were there.

The gateway to the Charles Bridge; the majestic Vltava River underneath

On the Charles Bridge: tourists abound; a family pic with the baby sleeping

The Statue of St. John of Nepomuk; now dark, but can you see who are posing?

Behind us are some of the statues ; and note, the cobble stones - again

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