Old Town Bridge Tower, Prague
Rising proudly at one end of Charles Bridge, this tower is one of Prague鈥檚 finest examples of Gothic architecture. Built in the 14th century, it was designed not just as a fortified gateway, but as a ceremonial arch for Bohemian kings making their coronation journey from the Old Town to Prague Castle. It also stood as a key part of the city鈥檚 northern defenses during medieval times.
Just above the main archway, you鈥檒l spot the coat of arms of the Bohemian Kingdom alongside the emblem of King Wenceslas IV, depicted as a kingfisher. Above them, three figures hold court: Charles IV to the right, Wenceslas IV to the left, and Saint Vitus, protector of the land, in the center. Higher still, near the peak, stand Saints Vojtech and Sigismund, patrons of Czech lands.
The eastern and western facades were once richly decorated, but much of that detail was lost in 1648 when Swedish troops attacked Prague at the close of the Thirty Years鈥� War. A commemorative plaque, added soon after, depicts the city鈥檚 citizens fighting off the invaders.
The tower also has a few surprises. Its first floor once served as a debtor鈥檚 prison; now it hosts a short film recounting the history of the bridge and tower. For a small fee, you can climb to the top for unrivaled views of Prague Castle over the Vltava River.
Look up inside the arch and you鈥檒l find two Latin palindromes carved into the stone that say: 鈥淢arked one, marked one, you deserve it 鈥� you touch and you torment me鈥� and 鈥淩ome will quickly go to you 鈥� love moves in upheaval鈥�. No one鈥檚 entirely sure where they came from, but some say they were meant as protective spells against evil forces.
Tip: The stairwell is tight and steep鈥攊f your knees are feeling it after the climb, try walking backward for the first two or three flights of stairs on your descent. Works like a charm.
Just above the main archway, you鈥檒l spot the coat of arms of the Bohemian Kingdom alongside the emblem of King Wenceslas IV, depicted as a kingfisher. Above them, three figures hold court: Charles IV to the right, Wenceslas IV to the left, and Saint Vitus, protector of the land, in the center. Higher still, near the peak, stand Saints Vojtech and Sigismund, patrons of Czech lands.
The eastern and western facades were once richly decorated, but much of that detail was lost in 1648 when Swedish troops attacked Prague at the close of the Thirty Years鈥� War. A commemorative plaque, added soon after, depicts the city鈥檚 citizens fighting off the invaders.
The tower also has a few surprises. Its first floor once served as a debtor鈥檚 prison; now it hosts a short film recounting the history of the bridge and tower. For a small fee, you can climb to the top for unrivaled views of Prague Castle over the Vltava River.
Look up inside the arch and you鈥檒l find two Latin palindromes carved into the stone that say: 鈥淢arked one, marked one, you deserve it 鈥� you touch and you torment me鈥� and 鈥淩ome will quickly go to you 鈥� love moves in upheaval鈥�. No one鈥檚 entirely sure where they came from, but some say they were meant as protective spells against evil forces.
Tip: The stairwell is tight and steep鈥攊f your knees are feeling it after the climb, try walking backward for the first two or three flights of stairs on your descent. Works like a charm.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Town Bridge Tower on Map
Sight Name: Old Town Bridge Tower
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets鈥攎ost notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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