Charles Bridge

After lunch, we found Karlova St and followed the crowds to Charles Bridge.  Constructed between 1357 and 1402, the bridge has been home to battles, processions, executions and most recenty, film shoots - none of which happened while we were there!  The bridge was jammed with people but we enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere with vendors selling art, jewelry, caricatures and musicians.  We enjoyed the 30 huge statues of saints and religious figures that were originally installed to draw people back to Mass.  Today, all of the statues are reproductions with the originals housed in museums throughout Prague.

View of Charles Bridge from a distance

Now, close up and personal!

We were warned to be aware of pickpockets on the bridge and in other popular tourist spots so we were very careful with our belongings and had no issues with theft.

Our guide told us about the numerous Romania "beggars" throughout Prague and they certainly were everywhere!  It was a bit disconcerting when we saw the first man on his knees on the cobblestones with his upper body flat on the ground with palms outstretched for donations.  There were men and women, some barefoot, some deformed - quite pitiful but certainly not welcomed by the Czechs.  Look carefully at the following picture and you will see a woman in the blue with her hands folded in "prayer" with her dog ...... hmmm ..... that dog sure looks well fed and groomed to me!!!!  

On the other side of the bridge, we went down the steps to Kampa Island - a popular park now covers the island's southern end but it was once home to a thriving pottery industry in the 17th century.  The northern half is home to upscale restaurants, hotels and embassies.  Much of the island was flooded in 2002 and has been replaced.  The Certovka (Devil's Canal) separates Kampa Island and Mala Strana.  

After the assassination of John Lennon, a Mexican art student painted a portrait of Lennon on a wall and this has become a "shrine" to the former Beatle.  The original portrait has been painted over many times and other artwork and graffiti has been added.  The painted-over remains of the original Lennon can be seen in the first picture below high on the wall to the right of the arch. 

There was a bridge over the "Devil's Canal" where couples attach locks to signify their everlasting love.  Some were basic locks and some were quite elaborate!

There was a St. Wencelas Day festival going on with vendors, music and food.  It was quite interesting and we wandered around for a while before heading back across the Charles Bridge.

We passed the Powder Tower on our walk back to the Prague Hilton.