"On familiar terms...

...which is why I call him "The Chuck Bridge".

"Prague Panorama"
IPhone

Because after three times visiting, one needs not stay on formal terms.  It would almost be an insult.  He is more formally known as "The Charles Bridge".  And he crosses the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic.  Considered to be one of the most astonishing Gothic structures in the world.  I have to agree.  And not just because we are friends.

"The Charles Bridge"
Prague, Czech Republic

Construction started in 1357 under King Charles IV, and finished the beginning of the 15th century.  It was the only means of crossing the Vltava River until 1841.  Today, it is solely a pedestrian bridge.  Which is awesome for photographs.  Unless you are walking it with ME...then I'm sure it's kinda of a pain in the arse for you.

"Hazy Morning on the Charles"
Prague, Czech Republic

"Strolling the Charles"

Prague, Czech Republic

Protected by three bridge towers.   Two on the Lesser Quarter side of the Vltava...

"Bridge Towers"
Prague, Czech Republic

...and the third across the bridge on the Old City side.  621 meters long, 10 meters wide.  Resting on 16 arches.

"On the Vltava"
Prague, Czech Republic

Czech legend has it that construction began on the Charles Bridge at precisely 5:31 a.m. on July 9, 1357 with the first stone laid by Charles IV himself.  This EXACT time was important to the Holy Roman  Emperor because he was a strong believer in numerology.  I wonder what his stance was on his Horoscope (fyi, May 14th birthday = Taurus = insightful, independent, analytical, and prophetic = Holy Roman Emperor shoe-in!).  This specific time formed a numerical bridge:  1357  9,7  5:31.  It was believed to imbue the Charles Bridge with additional strength.  And if THAT wasn't enough...it is also said that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen construction.  Never underestimate the power numerology and...poultry.

Considering the bridge was largely undamaged by the destruction of WWII, when Prague fell to both Germans AND Russians...that's one "incredible edible egg"!

"Entertaining on the Charles"
Prague, Czech Republic

Today,  it's a popular venue for strollers to take in the fairytale views of Prague, street performers, artists,  musicians, souvenir hawkers.  Yep, even a pick pocket or two.  In the past, you might venture over the Vltava and and see severed heads of revolt leaders on display.  Probably a few souvenir hawkers there then too.

Probably what the Charles Bridge is most known for tho, is it's continuous alley of statues.  Most of them Baroque style, erected around 1700. All saints and patron saints of the Czech Republic.  30 in all. Did you know Good King Wenceslaus is the patron saint of the Czech Republic?  He is depicted a few times on the Charles Bridge.  ALMOST makes up for being murdered by your younger brother.

"Got Birds"
Charles Bridge,
Prague, Czech Republic

Three times in Prague.   Summer, Fall and now Winter.  The sun was AWOL.  Cold.  Grey.  Foggy at times.  A completely different look and feel to the city than the last time I visited Chuck.  Made me realize that winter is a bridge connecting one year to the next.  But in Prague, the Charles Bridge connects century to century to century.  It's timeless.  Gotta love Chuck...and the power of the egg.

Here's where I "link up" today.

(click on image for description of Song-ography)

Next Tuesday's Song-ography title suggestion is "End of the Line (It's Alright)" by the Traveling Wilburys.
Come back and link up!