Prague's Charles Bridge turns 666, celebrates a devilish anniversary

Prague's legendary Charles Bridge, a Gothic masterpiece cloaked in centuries-old tales, commemorates a remarkable anniversary today as it celebrates 666 years since its first stone was laid.

The foundation stone of Charles Bridge, said to have been personally supervised by Roman Emperor Charles IV himself, was laid on July 9, 1357, at the intriguing hour of 5:31 a.m. in the morning.

Why this date and time? Charles IV supposedly selected the time based on the advice of court astronomers. The planet Mars and the constellation Leo, a symbol of Bohemian kings, were in alignment on this date. And the chosen time made it a interesting palindrome consisting of odd numbers in order: 1357, 9/7, 5:31.

Another popular legend says that the mortar used to build Charles Bridge was reinforced with eggs. While this myth has been debunked, an analysis did reveal the medieval builders' use of milk and wine.

Charles Bridge began construction at the behest of Charles IV in 1357 after its predecessor, Judith Bridge, succumbed to a devastating flood. The bridge wasn't completed until 1402, but has connected the left and right banks of the Vltava River ever since.

The bridge was originally known as Prague Bridge, as it was the only bridge in Prague at the time. It later became known as Stone Bridge (Kamenný Bridge), given its stone construction. The current name, Charles Bridge, came into prominence in the late 19th century, honoring its founder, Charles IV.

You can see a statue of a seated Charles IV on the Old Town Bridge Tower, which vividly portrays the beloved ruler and the bridge's founder. The opposite end of the bridge in Malá Strana, meanwhile, has the distinction of being the older part.

A horse-drawn tram was introduced on the bridge in 1883, replaced by an electric tram in 1905 and eventually by a bus in 1908. It was not until 1965 that the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic.

Today, Charles Bridge offers stunning views of Prague Castle, the largest castle complex globally and Czechia's most visited heritage site, Charles Bridge is one of the Czech capital's most famous landmarks. TripAdvisor users voted it as one of the most beautiful sights in the world.