The statues of Charles Bridge
The bridge carries 30 statues and statue groups. The number counts works, not people: a group can show several figures, so the bridge does not carry exactly 30 individual people.
Many of the figures you see today replaced originals. Some of the originals are kept elsewhere, and it would be wrong to say that all 30 are copies. Individual figures can be covered or fenced off at times for restoration.
Guided walks past the bridge statues
Walks over Charles Bridge with a guide who knows the stories, with live prices and availability.
St John of Nepomuk
The statue visitors look for first.
The bronze of 1683
The statue of St John of Nepomuk is made of bronze and dates from 1683. It is the oldest statue on the bridge that still stands in its original form. Five stars belong to the way the saint is shown.
The reliefs and the luck tradition
Touching the reliefs under the statue is an old custom said to bring good luck. It is a tradition, not a proven effect. The relief on the right shows the saint falling into the Vltava. John of Nepomuk died in 1393.
The dog is a different story
The dog is a separate motif. Do not mix it up with the relief of the fall into the river.
Where the originals are
Two places keep figures from the bridge.
Vyšehrad: the Gorlice casemates
Six original baroque bridge statues stand in the Gorlice casemates at Vyšehrad. You can see them only on a guided visit, offered in Czech and English. The visit lasts 45 to 60 minutes, takes up to 30 people and starts at the Brick Gate, V Pevnosti 46/1.
The Lapidarium
The Lapidarium of the National Museum holds originals from the bridge, but the building and the exhibition are closed until further notice. Do not plan a visit there.
| Gorlice ticket, 2026 | Ticket office | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Adults aged 16 to 64 | CZK 330 | CZK 295 |
| Children aged 6 to 15 | CZK 165 | CZK 150 |
| Students aged 16 to 26 and seniors over 65 | CZK 250 | CZK 225 |
| Children under 6 and people with a disability | Free | Free |
Looking at the statues on the bridge
Practical tips for the walk.
Walk it slowly
The figures stand along both parapets, so cross once on each side if you want to see them all. In the middle of the day the walkway can be crowded.
Go early for photos
The quieter hours are in the morning. No hour is guaranteed to be empty, but early light is kinder to the stone and the sky behind it.
Charles Bridge at sunrise →Keep your things close
Police advise carrying bags closed and in front of you in crowds, keeping valuables out of outer pockets and keeping cash and documents apart. If something is stolen, block your cards and call the police on 158.
Add the towers
The Old Town Bridge Tower also carries sculpture, and the Lesser Town side has its own two towers.
The bridge towers →
More about the bridge
Where the statues fit in.
Charles Bridge statues: frequently asked questions
How many statues are there on Charles Bridge?
There are 30 statues and statue groups. The number counts works, and some of them show more than one figure.
Are the statues on the bridge copies?
Many of them replaced originals, but not every figure is a copy. Six original baroque bridge statues are at Vyšehrad, and more originals belong to the Lapidarium, which is closed until further notice.
Which is the oldest statue on the bridge?
The bronze statue of St John of Nepomuk from 1683 is the oldest statue still standing in its original form.
Does touching the Nepomuk relief bring luck?
It is an old tradition to touch the reliefs for luck. There is no proof of any effect, but many visitors do it anyway. The relief on the right shows the fall of the saint into the Vltava.
Can I see the original statues?
Yes, at Vyšehrad. The Gorlice casemates show six original baroque bridge statues on guided visits of 45 to 60 minutes in Czech or English. Tickets cost CZK 330 at the ticket office or CZK 295 online for adults aged 16 to 64.