Prague is a city that is almost in everyone´s Travel Bucket list.For me , its one of the great medieval cities here in Europe that anyone should see, at least once in their lifetime, and if given the chance since not all have the means to travel in Europe .Actually this trip to Prague came as an alternative destination from our staycation trips, nevertheless, I was really glad we made it. Last month, I saw many sad news about typhoon in Southeast asia and it kinda saddens me seeing how flood waters destroys a city. It´s an off- topic from this post but thinking about the famous landmark –this Charles Bridge in Prague inspired me to write this post. This bridge is simply impressive, very old and still standing through the years—and many centuries .It was finished in the early 15th century, was formerly damaged by the big flood in 1342 and since then the most important gateway from Prague to the areas across the Vltava river since 1870´s.

That´s the magic of this bridge–it connects people, city, its culture, and its heritage.

Of course I´ve done what a normal tourist would do in Prague so I went to Charles Bridge,not only once but twice or more! I walked through the maddening crowds through it, took lots of photos, looked at the river and went on again on the other side.On the other day , I woke up at 4.30 am to run from our hotel all the way along the Vltava river and finally crossing Charles bridge without the haste, really appreciating it in all its glory and details.The breaking dawn did not gave me the wow- effect of sunrise, because it was a bit cloudy, but my run gave me such an adrenaline that I would never forget. There is something about running on unfamiliar grounds .That experience really made my stay in Prague unforgettable just like when I ran through the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany.

This bridge is a masterpiece, with all its magnanimous sculptures, guiding both railings on each side.They are like stone guardians, each one carries a story, urlan lagend or something, or even a religious background sort of thing.I don´t know everything about these 30 statues, which is mostly designed in Baroque style, but I love them.Slow paced walking here is best when the crowds are still thin and not so much people who posts in every statue.

I also admired this bridge from under, and saw the details of its construction.It´s beautiful in all angle and many birds nests on its gitters.This bridge is actually more than just an architectural gem.It is a symbol of Prague, lasting for decades and still standing up until now, a silent witness of how this eternal city survives the dark era, wars, floods and seasons. For me, it is really worth to see and walk to see it with my own eyes.That´s why people pays those costly fees just to see old castles, ruins, and legendary pieces.

Of all the 18 bridges along Vltava river, this is the top magnet for visitors and I understand why.There is no doubt that if you went to Prague, you will find yourself here, walking and experiencing the same things that I am writing about.From 1158 to 1841, there was only one bridge in Prague—Charles Bridge, which was first called Judith Bridge, then Stone Bridge, and finally Charles Bridge.In the end it was named after Emperor Charles IV.Walking here made me feel that i was walking through that era where nobles and peasants made their ways.

We also took the boat cruise and get to see the bridge up close and personal. The Prague boat tours was really excellent and very informative. The dark waters of Vltava river, the rows of large docked ships, tourist boats, and ferries along it was really a scenic sight.The boats looked like miniature hotels that lights up the banks of this mighty river.There is too much beauty, history and charm on this part of the city.I wished we could sail for unlimited time though.

This city is just too pretty for me. I haven´t even got the chance to look at all the statues and monuments that “guards” the bridge which i believe is more than 30, mostly depicted from religious saints and martyrs like St. Anne and St. Nepomuk.During my run at daybreak, I was hoping to be alone standing in the bridge but then, there were also other early birds there.Just like me, taking time to enjoy a moment of solitude in this place,probably their wishes also came true!

It is like walking through a promenade where people just quietly chat with each other, smiling sweetly on cameras, looking intently at the soft gushing of Vltava river, and watching the birds hopping from one statue to another.Social media driven visitors would do anything to get that perfect pose, angle and have a picture perfect photographic memory from this bridge.I lost counting all the birds on this site since there were lots of them!

Charles bridge is a pedestrian bridge after all.A bridge that is meant to be enjoyed, and not just to purposely crossed-over.The statues are all works of art, engraved with rich stories, sentiments and statement of bravery, heroic acts and gruesome past.That presence itself proves that art and history comes together and people can have the experience to enjoy all of it now in the present times.

It is probably a normal boring day for the locals, who crosses the bridge,or cycles on it on a daily basis, but for visitors like me, an experience to watch each art, admiring them and learning a bit of history is a treasure itself, a heartfelt gratification that will be in my memory for the rest of my life.That true art really endures the test of time.

Hope to see you soon again Charles bridge! Another sidetrip though, do you know where the famous and elite ones laid to rest in Prague? I found this place really interesting.

Until then, Tschüß!