After landing and settling in Prague, we took an introductory walking tour of the beautiful neighborhoods near the hotel, especially Old Town (including the top two tourist sites, the astronomical clock and Charles Bridge). (Disclaimer: Old Town is old relative to New Town, which itself is several centuries old!)
I learned some fascinating facts about the city’s famous Charles Bridge. King Charles IV was a notable ruler of independent Czech lands (before it joined the Hapsburg empire, 1526-1918) and consequently has his name on many landmarks. When it was built, the bridge was the only road across the Vltava River, linking the two parts of the city (an alternative to boating). The king wanted to ensure the bridge would last forever, as represented by the special pattern of a “pyramid” of odd numbers: 135797531. Thus, he laid the foundation stone in the year 1357, on the 9th of July, at 5:31 (am). (A commemoration is held annually then and there nowadays.) The bridge was renamed for him in the 1800s. The bridge is in the Gothic style, while the 30 statues (of important saints) were added during the Baroque period.
The bridge clearly has a practical role (aforementioned) and bridges at large are great symbols for the connection and unity of people(s). This way, the city residents could develop Czech culture together. We learned patriotism and nationalism were influential throughout Czech history, fueling the (re)creation of Czechoslovakia (post WWI and WWII) after rule by foreign leaders. Now, the bridge serves not only as a walkway but also as an outdoors sculpture gallery, spanning across history to tell locals and visitors about the city’s values.
Swanson School of Engineering 