June 8, 2019 | The Nocturnalist
Charles Bridge is a northern star for me while navigating Prague. The towers that rise tall at the end of each side indicate that I’m not as lost as I think I am. In fact, if I close my eyes and click my heels, it feels like I’m standing on the Medieval equivalent of the Moody Pedestrian Bridge.
Built in 1357 under the reign of Charles IV, the bridge is a liaison connecting Old Town to Lesser Town. Peter Parler was delegated as the architect for the structure. He had a heavy hand in the design of the cathedral at the Prague Castle. However, Charles Bridge is not the first to hold residence over the Vltava river. The Judith Bridge heralded Charles’ gothic majesty as the first stone bridge over the water. It was ruined by a flood in 1342, giving way to the Knights of the Cross. Legend has it that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar during construction to strengthen Charles Bridge.
Currently, Charles Bridge hosts a plethora of vendors and artists that lie in wait to immortalize a tourist’s experience. I’m astounded by the talent of the sketch artists; they can replicate a subject’s identity without hesitation. Language barriers are not a detriment to the encounter as words are unnecessary. The artist does the speaking through sleight of hand.
I’ve visited this bridge at least a dozen times now to enjoy a leisurely stroll or the dusk that follows a sunset. I may be walking on eggshells, but at least I know where I am.
Ode to Prague 