Spanning the Vltava River, Charles Bridge has a history of about 650 years.
The bridge is approximately 500 meters long, bookended by towers with steep, pointed roofs. For just 100 CZK, you can climb a tower to take in the panoramic scenery of Prague.
The bridge is lined with 30 statues in total. Originally, 26 Baroque statues were erected in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and four more were added later.
Certain parts of these statues have been polished to a shine by the touch of countless tourists. It suggests that behind each statue lies a legend or story that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
I tried to find the right words to accurately describe the feeling of walking on Charles Bridge.
Feeling a bit lost for words, I looked to writers and poets for inspiration.
For instance, Kafka once said, “My life and my inspiration all come from the great Charles Bridge.”
That is a wonderful quote, but it didn’t quite resonate with my own feelings.
So I kept thinking, and finally, a very ordinary word came to mind: “Fitting.”
When I walk on the bridge, every brick under my feet seems to fit perfectly to form the path.
Every breath of wind touches my skin at just the right angle and with just the right strength.
The sun and clouds seem to command the light, making it converge in exactly the right spots.
The castle on the hill in the distance, and the river flowing nearby—everything is exactly as it should be.
Adding to the atmosphere, street performers play violins, cellos, and hand drums, bringing a delightful layer of sound to the experience.
The bridge feels as if it has come alive.
Everything is so fitting and harmonious. I felt unwilling to leave; I just wanted to linger on the bridge endlessly.
Some places require you to wait quietly for their beauty to reveal itself. If the weather is bad—raining or foggy—you might see nothing at all.
But Prague at night is different. No matter the weather, it presents its most perfect form to you. This kind of generosity and tolerance is unmatched by other places.
I find it hard to describe this feeling with my own words, so I will quote the great German writer Goethe: “In the crown of cities, like a precious stone, Prague is the most precious of all.”
