Pietà, Religious memorial on Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic.
The Pietà is a stone sculpture on Charles Bridge depicting Mary, Mary Magdalene, and the body of Jesus Christ. It was created in 1859 by Emanuel Max and displays carefully carved details throughout.
An earlier work by Jan Brokoff from 1695 originally stood at this location but was later moved to the Monastery of Gracious Nurses. The current sculpture replaced that older version and marks the site of an even earlier wooden crucifix from 1496.
The inscription invites viewers to contemplate suffering and compassion through a biblical scene. It reflects the deep religious tradition that has shaped this bridge for centuries.
The sculpture sits on the south side of Charles Bridge and can be viewed directly from the bridge itself. The location is in central Prague and is easily accessible on foot.
Emanuel Max's 1859 group is one of the few Charles Bridge sculptures carved in stone rather than the usual sandstone, and it replaced Jan Brokoff's 1695 Pietà, now at the Monastery of Gracious Nurses. Look for the three-figure group: Mary supporting the body, Mary Magdalene kissing Christ's hand, and John the Evangelist standing between them.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,575 contributors worldwide.
