Saint Wenceslas I, Bronze statue near the eastern side of Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The statue of Saint Wenceslas sits on the eastern side of Charles Bridge and shows the religious figure in prayer with a raised cross. It is one of about 30 religious statues that line the bridge and mark the crossing over the Vltava River.
The statue was installed in 1858 as part of a major renewal of Charles Bridge to restore religious significance to the crossing. It was created during a period when the bridge was being fitted with new artworks rooted in Catholic tradition.
Saint Wenceslas is the patron saint of Bohemia, and this statue shows him in prayer with a raised cross. People gather here on September 28 to mark his importance to Czech identity and remember his role in the nation's spiritual history.
The statue sits at the tenth position from the Old Town end of the bridge, making it easy to find while walking across. The bridge tends to be crowded during midday hours, so visiting early morning or late afternoon offers a more relaxed experience.
The statue displays details of medieval armor and royal insignia that represent Wenceslas as both a religious figure and an earthly ruler. This dual symbolism reflects his story as a saint who was also a Bohemian prince.
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