Písek Stone Bridge, Gothic stone bridge in Písek, Czech Republic
The Stone Bridge of Písek is a medieval crossing over the Otava River in the historic center of this South Bohemian town. The construction rests on six heavy pillars of stone that carry seven arches and span roughly 110 meters (360 feet) from bank to bank.
The crossing was built under King Otakar II during the second half of the thirteenth century as part of the trading routes through Bohemia. The structure survived several floods over the centuries and was last restored after the high water of 2002.
The structure takes its name from the town it serves, a place long tied to river trade and medieval commerce. Visitors today see reproductions of religious figures standing along the walkway, a reminder of the faith that once guided travelers crossing the water.
The crossing is open only to those on foot and offers a view of the riverbank and the houses of the old town. The paving can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
This is the oldest preserved bridge in the Czech Republic and among the earliest stone crossings in Central Europe. Few constructions of this kind from the thirteenth century have survived to the present day in their original form.
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