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Striking image of the Charles Bridge, spanning the Vltava river, with the Prague Castle's on the hillside.. The Charles Bridge, with its Gothic stone arches and sentinel line of statues, paints a picture of Prague in the days of King Charles IV. In contrast, the distant Prague Castle, a repository of architectural styles and historical narratives, stands as a testament to the city's rich legacy. This exquisite image, framed within a decorative border, forms a part of "Eine Reise in Bildern", published in Berlin by R. Wagner in 1866.
The Charles Bridge:
Spanning the Vltava river in Prague, the Charles Bridge (Karlův most in Czech) is an iconic symbol of both architectural grandeur and historical resilience. Constructed under the patronage of King Charles IV in 1357, this stone Gothic bridge replaced the older Judith Bridge, which had been washed away by floods. A perfect blend of aesthetics and utility, the bridge has withstood wars, floods, and the passage of time. Lined with thirty statues, mostly of saints, added during the 17th and 18th centuries, the bridge served as both a means of crossing the river and a statement of the Catholic faith during the turbulent times of the Thirty Years' War. The bridge's towers are not only impressive architectural feats but also offer panoramic views of Prague.
Prague Castle:
Overlooking the city from its vantage on the left bank of the Vltava river, the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) has been a political, cultural, and spiritual epicenter for over a millennium. With its roots dating back to the 9th century, the castle complex has witnessed the evolution of architectural styles, from its original Romanesque buildings to Gothic modifications and Renaissance and Baroque additions. Once home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and now the presidential residence, the castle serves as an enduring emblem of the Czech state. Beyond its political significance, the complex is also home to the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where several Czech kings and Holy Roman Emperors were crowned.
![(Second World War - Second Czechoslovak Republic) Malá, ale naša [Small, but ours]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/97457mp2.jpg)
