Statue of Saint Christopher, Charles Bridge, Religious statue at Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The Statue of Saint Christopher stands on the south side of Charles Bridge and depicts the saint carrying the Christ Child on his shoulder while wading through water. This sandstone work is one of many sculptures that define this famous bridge.
Sculptor Emanuel Max created the statue in 1857 as a commission from Prague's city official Václav Wanek, funded through public donations. An earlier design by Matthias Braun from 1720 intended as a marble monument to Charles VI was never built.
Saint Christopher is revered by pilgrims and visitors crossing this medieval bridge as a protector of travelers. The statue reflects the enduring belief that this saint watches over people on journeys.
The statue sits on Charles Bridge among the other sculptures and is best viewed during daylight when light highlights the sandstone details. Visitors should explore the bridge in early morning hours to avoid crowds and see the artworks with less congestion around them.
The statue shows a rare depiction where Saint Christopher carries the Christ Child not as an infant but as a mature child on his shoulders. This iconography emphasizes the strength and weight of the sacred moment.
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