Utilitarian Structures Become Beloved Landmarks

In the world of architecture, perhaps nothing is more utilitarian than a bridge.

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest span across the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Photo courtesy of Dreamstock/Dreamstime

In 1357, King Charles IV—who ruled over lands of the present-day Czech Republic—ordered that a bridge be built across the Vltava River as it flowed through Prague. The medieval stone overpass was finally completed early in the 15th century. It was decorated with 30 statues and monuments, most in the baroque style, all of which since then have been replaced by replicas.

As the only means of crossing the Vltava River until 1841, the Charles Bridge provided the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town and adjacent areas. It made Prague important as a trade route between eastern and western Europe. Also, the bridge is located on the historic coronation route of the Bohemian kings.