Famous Statues on Charles Bridge and Meanings: The Top 10

The bridge serves as an open-air gallery. Before you walk across, check these quick picks for your trip.

• Best for luck: St. John of Nepomuk
• Best for art: St. Luthgard
• Best for photos: The Calvary
• Best for history: St. Wenceslas

Here are the ten most significant statues to look for during your walk.

1. Name: St. John of Nepomuk Type: sight Why go: This is the oldest and most famous statue. Best for: Travelers seeking good luck. Where: North side, closer to the Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from either bridge tower. Tip: Rub the bronze plaque to ensure you return to Prague.
2. Name: The Calvary (Holy Cross) Type: sight Why go: It features unique gold-plated Hebrew lettering. Best for: History buffs. Where: North side, near the Old Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: First major statue from the Old Town side. Tip: Look for the 1696 inscription funded by a fine.
3. Name: St. Luthgard Type: experience Why go: It is widely considered the most beautiful Baroque piece. Best for: Art lovers. Where: South side, near the Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by walking the bridge length. Tip: Notice the fine details of the blind nun's vision.
4. Name: SS. Cyril and Methodius Type: sight Why go: These brothers brought Christianity to the Slavs. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: North side, middle of the bridge. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk halfway across from either side. Tip: This is one of the newest statues, added in 1928.
5. Name: St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: He is the patron saint of the bridge and the city. Best for: Local lore. Where: North side, near the Lesser Town. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the stairs to Kampa Island. Tip: Look for the lion at his feet, symbolizing his martyrdom.
6. Name: St. Anne Type: sight Why go: It depicts the grandmother of Jesus holding a child. Best for: Families. Where: North side, Old Town end. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: It is a popular spot for quiet reflection.
7. Name: St. Anthony of Padua Type: sight Why go: He is the patron of lost things and travelers. Best for: Spiritual visitors. Where: North side, near the Old Town. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the Old Town entrance. Tip: Check the beautiful lily he holds in his hand.
8. Name: St. Christopher Type: sight Why go: He is the giant who carried the Christ child across a river. Best for: Photo opportunities. Where: South side, above the Kampa stairs. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Lesser Town side. Tip: This statue replaced a chapel destroyed by a flood.
9. Name: St. Francis of Assisi Type: sight Why go: It shows the saint with two angels and a lamb. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: South side, near the Old Town. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the start of the bridge. Tip: The peaceful expression is perfect for early morning viewing.
10. Name: St. Wenceslas Type: sight Why go: He is the main patron saint of the Czech people. Best for: National history. Where: North side, Lesser Town end. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Just before the Lesser Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Learn about the "Good King" before you visit Visit Czechia for more lore.

Essential Charles Bridge Sightseeing Tips for 2026

Visiting the bridge requires some planning. In 2026, crowds are expected to be high during summer. To get the best experience, arrive before 7:00 AM. This is the best time to visit Charles Bridge for photos without people. You will see the statues in the soft morning light.

The bridge is a pedestrian-only zone. Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestones are uneven. Most of the statues you see are actually replicas. The originals are kept safe in the National Museum. This helps protect them from weather and pollution. The bridge is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your bags closed and in front of you. Street performers and artists add to the atmosphere. However, they can create bottlenecks on the path. Walking from the Old Town to the Lesser Town is the most popular route. This direction offers great views of the castle complex ahead.

Nearby Attractions to Visit After the Bridge

Once you finish your walk, explore the surrounding areas. You can start by climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower for a bird's-eye view. This tower offers one of the best vistas in Prague. It overlooks the entire bridge and the Vltava River. It is a great spot for sunset photography.

On the other side, you enter the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). This neighborhood is full of Baroque churches and hidden gardens. You can find many small cafes and traditional Czech pubs here. It is much quieter than the Old Town Square. Take your time to wander through the narrow side streets.

Art lovers should visit the nearby galleries. The National Gallery Prague has several branches within walking distance. You can see more historic sculptures and paintings there. Most sites open around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM. Plan your day to include these cultural stops after your morning bridge walk.