1357day.year
Emperor Charles IV assists in laying the foundation stone of Charles Bridge in Prague.
Emperor Charles IV laid the foundation stone for Prague's Charles Bridge in 1357, initiating one of medieval Europe's greatest engineering feats.
On July 9, 1357, Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV personally placed the first stone of the new bridge spanning the Vltava River in Prague. The structure, later known as Charles Bridge, was designed to replace a flood-damaged predecessor and secure a vital trade route. Gothic architects and stonemasons worked for decades to complete the bridge, which features 16 arches and statues of saints. Charles IV's direct involvement underscored the project's political and economic significance. The bridge stands today as an iconic symbol of Prague's medieval heritage.
1357
Emperor Charles IV
foundation stone
Charles Bridge
Prague