Photography by Fenichel: View of Prague from St. Vitus Belltower: Vltava, Bridges & Hradčany

Prague (Praha), Czech Republic

Charles Bridge, Hradčany, and Vltava -- Views from St.Vitus Belltower

[Charles Bridge (Karlův most) - View from St. Vitus Belltower. Click on the photo to fly in closer, to the tower on the right on this end of the bridge, with a lovely view of Charles Bridge and Mala Strana.]

Here is the view one earns after climbing the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the belltower at St. Vitus, an incredible church in its own rite, within the Castle (Hradčany) complex of Prague.

The venerable bridge in the photo above is known locally as Karlův most. It was commissioned in 1357 by Emperor Charles IV after a great flood destroyed its predecessor, Judith Bridge, which was the first stone bridge to span the Vltava to connect the Old Town with Malá Strana and the Castle (Hrad) district. Judith Bridge served as a major artery from from 1172 until destroyed by the great flood of 1342. Charles Bridge is now teeming with tourists, merchants, and performing artists, nestled between the new and old city of Prague.

In the view below, just across the water, you can see Prague's famous Dancing House.

[4 Bridges over the Vltava - and Dancing Houses at the end of one!]

Prague : Charles Bridge | UFO | Astronomical Clock (Orloj) | Týn Church | Hus Monument | Hrad (Castle)

Josefov | Jubilee | Mala Strana | View from Mala Strana Tower | Wenceslas Square || Kutna Hora