History of Charles Bridge and Lesser Town Towers

King Charles IV began building this famous bridge in 1357. It replaced the older Judith Bridge which floods destroyed. The bridge served as a vital link between the Old Town and the Castle. It was not just a road but a defensive fortification. The towers at each end protected the city from invaders.

The towers are masterpieces of Gothic architecture. They were designed to impress visitors entering the royal district. Today, they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Prague. You can see many intricate carvings on the stone walls. These details tell stories of kings and saints from centuries ago.

Many people visit for the 30 baroque statues on the bridge. However, the towers offer the most dramatic perspectives. They have survived wars and natural disasters over the years. Walking through the gate feels like stepping back in time. It is one of many essential places to visit in Prague for history lovers.

Top 11 Sights Near Charles Bridge and Lesser Town Towers

There are many amazing things to see in this area. You should give yourself at least half a day to explore. Here are the top sights you cannot miss.

1. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in Europe. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Old Town side of the bridge. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Look for the Old Town Bridge Tower steps to reach the top.
2. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Tower (Taller Tower) Type: Sight Why go: It offers a perfect view of the bridge's length. Best for: Panoramic city views. Where: Lesser Town side. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Walk across the bridge from Old Town. Tip: This tower is part of the observation towers in Prague network.
3. Name: Judith's Tower Type: Experience Why go: It is the oldest part of the bridge fortifications. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Next to the taller Lesser Town tower. Time: 15 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Located at the end of the bridge. Tip: Notice the Romanesque relief hidden inside the tower.
4. Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn how the bridge was built using medieval tools. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Křižovnické Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Right next to the Old Town tower. Tip: The ticket often includes a small canal boat trip.
5. Name: Kampa Island Type: Nature Why go: It is a peaceful park right under the bridge. Best for: Families and relaxation. Where: Lesser Town riverbank. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the stairs from Charles Bridge. Tip: Visit the scenic parks in Prague like this for a break.
6. Name: Lennon Wall Type: Neighborhood Why go: A colorful symbol of peace and freedom. Best for: Social media photos. Where: Velkopřevorské Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the bridge. Tip: Bring a marker to leave your own message.
7. Name: St. Nicholas Bell Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: See where spies used to watch the city. Best for: Unique history. Where: Malostranské Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the bridge. Tip: The climb is steep but the view is worth it.
8. Name: Petřín Lookout Tower Type: Day trip Why go: It looks like a small Eiffel Tower. Best for: Couples and families. Where: Petřín Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Paid. Getting there: Take the funicular from Újezd. Tip: Walk down through the orchards for great views.
9. Name: Vltava River Cruise Type: Experience Why go: See the bridge from the water. Best for: Seeing the bridge without the crowds. Where: Various docks near the bridge. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Varies. Getting there: Docks are on both sides of the river. Tip: Check the Prague tourism portal for official boat operators.
10. Name: Prague Castle Type: Sight Why go: The largest ancient castle complex in the world. Best for: Everyone. Where: Hradčany district. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Varies by circuit. Getting there: Tram 22 or walk up from Lesser Town. Tip: Explore the Prague Castle complex early to avoid queues.
11. Name: Church of Our Lady Victorious Type: Sight Why go: Home to the famous Infant Jesus of Prague. Best for: Spiritual travelers. Where: Karmelitská Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Lesser Town Bridge Tower. Tip: This is one of the offbeat gems in Prague often missed by tours.

Practical Tips for Your 2026 Visit

The bridge is very busy during the day. If you want a quiet walk, go at sunrise. The morning light makes the stone statues look magical. Most tourists arrive after 10:00 AM. By noon, the bridge is usually packed with people.

You need separate tickets for the towers. You can buy them at the entrance of each tower. Some discounts are available for students and seniors. Check for combo tickets if you plan to climb both towers. Most towers accept credit cards for payment.

Wear comfortable shoes for your visit. The bridge and surrounding streets are made of uneven cobblestones. High heels are not recommended for walking here. There are many cafes in Lesser Town for a rest. Try a local pastry like Trdelník while you explore.

Best Photo Spots in Lesser Town

For the best photos, head to the riverbank. There is a spot near the Kafka Museum with many swans. You can get the bridge and the towers in one shot. This is a favorite place for professional photographers. It is especially beautiful during the winter months.

Climbing the towers provides a bird's-eye view. The Old Town Tower is best for sunset shots. You can capture the sun dipping behind the Castle. The Lesser Town Tower is great for looking back at the Old Town. Both offer unique perspectives of the city's red roofs.

Don't forget to look for small details. The statues on the bridge have interesting faces and symbols. The ironwork on the tower gates is also very photogenic. Take your time to find angles that others might miss. Early morning fog can add a moody feel to your pictures.