Charles Bridge is a historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic.
Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished
in the beginning of 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river in Prague,
Charles Bridge used to be the most important connection between the Old Town,
Prague Castle and adjacent areas until 1841. Also this 'solid-land' connection made
Prague important as a trade route between east and west Europe. The bridge was originally
called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) or the Prague Bridge (Pražský most) but has been the
"Charles Bridge" since 1870.
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