"Historic Bridge with Stunning Views On most days in Prague , it feels like every tourist in town has gathered on the Charles Bridge. And for good reason — this 14th-century cobblestone spancrosses the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town with the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) and providing picturesque views of both sides of the river, medieval churches, towers, and Prague Castle on the hill. King Charles IV commissioned the bridge in1357. The bridgehas 16 arches andprotected by towers on either end: the Old Town Bridge Tower in Old Town and the Judith Tower andLesser Town Bridge Tower on the Mala Strana side. The bridge is lined with 30 large statues of religious figures and luminaries, dating from the Baroque era to the present dayThe best time to go is at dawn, sunset or after dark after the crowds have thinned and romance is in the air."