Originally published Dec 27, 2009
Michael met me today after Mass in the Main Square of Old Town. We planned to go to the Charles Bridge Museum but before leaving I wanted to see the 27 crosses on the pavement at the Town Hall. These crosses mark the place where 27 noblemen, who were Czech Protestants against the Catholic Emperor, were executed in 1621. This rebellion led to the Thirty Years War.
After a short walk we came to the Museum which is housed in the monastery of the Knights of the Cross. Here we will see an exposition of the construction of the Charles Bridge and the changes made over the centuries. Charles Bridge was founded by the emperor Charles IV. on 9th July 1357. It was called Prague Bridge or Stone Bridge; since 1870 the bridge has been called Charles Bridge.
Inside the museum several rooms were dedicated to the strategy of designing and building the Charles Bridge. Here we see stone cutters shaping the stones with what would be considered today as quite outmoded tools! If a war was declared (and many were), then these same men had to go fight, putting the bridge building on hold. No wonder it took centuries to build!Today there is a lot of controversy going on because the bridge is being rehabbed and it is, again, taking ages to do it. Some people want it done the “old way” which is nearly impossible and extremely costly, and others want it done quicker using modern methods. The fight goes back and forth. In the meantime, the Bridge has been under construction far too long.
Passing through a very ancient door and descending down uneven and ancient old stone steps we find ourselves looking at the only remains of the very first bridge which was called Judith Bridge (after the King’s wife). These steps in the picture went from the bridge down to the Vlatava River. The Judith Bridge was destroyed in a flood in 1342 because it was too low. When the Charles Bridge was built it was designed to be higher above the water.
Another fascinating exhibit were models of various buildings in Prague, all made from paper. This particular one is of the Prague Castle. Others were : the Eiffel Tower, old style European houses, different modes of transportation…some were quite large, others quite small.
We went during the Christmas holidays so they were exhibiting many different Nativity Scenes over the ages. This one was life size and made from straw. Others were of wood and one was entirely made from wax!I would certainly recommend this Museum…..it is easy to find, not overly large, has a lovely and interesting cafe for small snacks, a nice bookstore and gift shop. And a wonderful way to get firsthand knowledge of how it was built and why and how it is being worked on currently.
The Bridge as seen today:
Technorati Tags: Charles Bridge,Judith Bridge,Museum,30 Years War
