Charles Bridge in Prague

Charles Bridge is a beautiful stone Gothic bridge that is the main connection between the Old Town and Mala Strana in Prague. This bridge was once called the Stone Bridge and its construction was commissioned by a Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor named Charles IV. The architect was Petr Parler whose other works include the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle. An old rumor says that egg yolks were used in the construction of this bridge as they were mixed with the mortar to increase the strength of the concrete. Charles Bridge is actually one of several monuments that were constructed during Charles' reign. Another bridge used to sit on the same spot where the Charles now stands and was known as the Judith Bridge. The Judith was actually the very first stone bridge that was ever built there but it collapsed in a flood and had to be replaced years later. The Charles Bridge, however, has survived many floods and most recently it survived the worst flood in the past 500 years. The egg yolk must have worked because the Charles Bridge seems to be able to endure anything! If you take the kids to visit the Charles bridge, however, tell them to leave the eggs in the car.