Mánes Bridge, Tram bridge in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Mánes Bridge is a tram bridge spanning the Vltava River and connecting Old Town with Malá Strana while serving as a transportation route for trams and vehicles. Four concrete arches support the structure, providing pedestrians with direct passage between Prague's central districts.
The bridge was constructed between 1914 and 1916 following Cubist plans by architects Mečislav Petrů and František Mencl. It replaced an earlier footbridge and received its current name in 1920 to honor the Czech artistic movement.
The bridge displays geometric forms rooted in the Cubist movement that shaped Prague's artistic scene in the early 1900s. Visitors can observe these angular, inventive shapes today and appreciate how architects pushed beyond traditional design.
The bridge is open daily to pedestrians and vehicles, offering good views of the river and surrounding neighborhoods. It helps to avoid peak hours if you want to photograph or explore the architecture without heavy foot traffic.
The bridge takes its name from Josef Mánes, a Czech painter and art theorist who lived in the 1800s and shaped Bohemian artistic thought. This choice reflects how Prague saw the structure as a symbol of its artistic identity.
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