The Evolution of the Bridge Statues

The statues did not appear all at once. The bridge stood for centuries with very few decorations. The first bronze statue arrived in 1683. Most others followed between 1706 and 1714. This period was the height of Baroque art in Bohemia. Great sculptors like Matthias Braun and Ferdinand Brokoff created these works. They used sandstone, which is soft and easy to carve. However, sandstone weathers quickly in the city air.

Because of this damage, many statues on the bridge today are replicas. The originals are safely stored in the Lapidarium of the National Museum. You can still see the fine details on the modern copies. These figures represent saints and religious figures important to the Catholic Church. They were intended to inspire faith in passersby. The entire bridge is now protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ensures the statues will be preserved for future generations.

10 Essential Statues on Charles Bridge

Each statue has a name and a story. Here are ten of the most significant figures to look for during your walk. Use this list to identify the key highlights of this historic gallery.

• Best Overall: St. John of Nepomuk
• Best for History: The Crucifix and Calvary
• Best Art: St. Luthgard
• Best Modern Work: SS. Cyril and Methodius

1. Name: St. John of Nepomuk Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. It marks the spot where the saint was thrown into the river. Best for: Tradition seekers. Where: North side, near the middle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Touch the bronze plaque for good luck and a return to Prague.
2. Name: The Crucifix and Calvary Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest religious site on the bridge. It features a large bronze crucifix and Hebrew lettering. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Old Town end. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the gold-leaf Hebrew inscription added in 1696.
3. Name: St. Luthgard Type: Experience Why go: Created by Matthias Braun, this is considered the most artistically valuable statue. It depicts the saint's vision of Christ. Best for: Art lovers. Where: South side, near Malá Strana. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Notice the dramatic movement and emotion in the sandstone carving.
4. Name: SS. Cyril and Methodius Type: Sight Why go: This is the only modern statue on the bridge. It replaced a 1711 statue that was destroyed by a flood. Best for: Seeing different art styles. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It represents the missionaries who brought Christianity to the Slavs.
5. Name: St. Anne Type: Sight Why go: This statue depicts the mother of the Virgin Mary. It is a classic example of early 18th-century Baroque work. Best for: Religious history. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the small figure of the infant Jesus held by Mary.
6. Name: St. Francis Xavier Type: Experience Why go: This group includes figures from different continents. It shows the global reach of the Jesuit order. Best for: Cultural context. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The original was lost in a flood and replaced by a replica.
7. Name: St. Augustine Type: Sight Why go: He is shown holding a burning heart. This represents his passion for the divine. Best for: Symbolism. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: He is often seen as one of the most important Western church fathers.
8. Name: St. Jude Thaddeus Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of lost causes. Many locals still stop here to offer a quick prayer. Best for: Local tradition. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: He is depicted holding a club, the instrument of his martyrdom.
9. Name: St. Anthony of Padua Type: Sight Why go: This elegant statue shows the saint with the Christ child and a lily. Best for: Classic Baroque beauty. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Anthony is the patron saint of finding lost things.
10. Name: St. Christopher Type: Sight Why go: This statue stands where a guard house once fell into the river. It depicts the giant carrying Jesus across a stream. Best for: Folklore. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: He is the patron saint of travelers, making him perfect for tourists.

Planning Your Statue Walk in 2026

Visiting the statues requires some timing. The bridge gets very crowded by mid-morning. To see the statues clearly, arrive before 8:00 AM. The soft morning light is perfect for photography. You can also visit late at night for a spooky atmosphere. The statues look like dark silhouettes against the city lights.

For a different perspective, try climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower view. From the top, you can see the entire line of statues. It helps you understand the scale of this medieval project. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones are uneven. Check the official city tourism portal for any restoration updates. Some statues may be covered by scaffolding during maintenance work.