May 28, 2020

Charles Bridge - Timeless Thursdays 5

Around half a kilometer stretch across the Vltava River of Czechia is a stone bridge that is called Charles Bridge. It was built for almost 50 years under the orders of King Charles IV, King of Bohemia and the first Bohemian King to become Holy Roman Emperor. Let me share some of the shots I took while I was on the bridge and around its area.

Charles Bridge / Karlův Most

This post is part of Skywatch Friday. Click the image link below to see more skies around the world!

Ever since I saw Linkin Park's Numb music video when I was in late high school, I already grew curious about Prague, specifically this beautiful bridge where some of the video's scenes were taken. I was dark and eerie and beautiful. Since then, it has driven me to dream about this magical bridge and last December, I was there, walking along its path and wandering in awe.



Known to be one of the most famous symbols not just of Prague but of the whole Czech Republic, Charles Bridge or Karlův Most features 30 statues and statuettes which depicts religious personas of the Catholic Church including Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, and other biblical figures and Catholic Saints. What we see now are just replicas of these Baroque statues that are mostly made from dark stones. (Left photo by my cousin Carmina)



Installed in 1683 was the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. He is the patron saint of Bohemia and even has patronage in some cities and towns in the Philippines.Saint John is known as the first martyr of the Seal of Confessional. On this site at the Bridge, he was drowned by the orders of King Charles or Wenceslaus, King of the Romans and King of Bohemia, after he refuse to expose what the Queen has confessed to him.

Aside from his statue, a specific pilgrimage spot has been dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk which serves as a shrine where he was believed to be thrown away to drown and die. A brass sculpture is rubbed while the pilgrims pray and remember the Saint.


Walking along the Saint Charles bridge on a -2 degree Celsius morning was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. I know all of the European cities are big dreams that came true on that trip but this specific memory is just so vivid because of the feels I have felt while I was there. Let me thank my cousin Carmina for being with me on this beautiful city and walking along the historic stones of Karluv Most. I'll forever be grateful!


Never stop crossing bridges and leaving marks
Steve

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I would love to welcome and invite everyone to join this new Linky that I thought of starting - Timeless Thursdays(Bear with me for any short-comings, this is my first link ever)


Timeless Thursdays is open for anyone who wishes to share old photos or old thoughts that you would like to share as beautiful memories with everyone. This can be from yesterday, a year ago, or something from your grandma's treasure chest.
This runs every Thursday at 12 am (Manila/Perth Time) until Monday the same time (12 am)

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45 comments:

  1. ...I remember crowded times like this, I hope that they will return.

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    1. That is true Tom! I hate crowds to be honest but I have to say I do miss them now

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  2. Looks wonderful and great photos :-D

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    1. Thank you so much Ananka! Greetings to Scotland!

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  3. Dearest Stevenson,
    So pleased to see that you followed in my footsteps and have touched the very same spots...
    Prague is indeed magical and even more so in combination with its famous composers... one can dream away!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. You are very much right Mariette! The city center was quite compact and in just three days I can still vividly see on my mind how to get to where :) So much character and so much to see and do! Thanks Mariette!

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  4. Saint Charles Bridge makes an amazing impression. Prague is one of the most interesting European cities. It's really worth visiting :)

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    1. A big yes to your words Rodzina! I really enjoyed Prague and has a lot of interesting things to see and do there :)

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  5. What a great adventure you had. I'd love to visit Prague one day. It's on my list to visit.

    Did you travel with a cat in your backpack? Cat looks cute and snugly in the bag.

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    1. Hello Kayni! Prague really is a must! I feel so blessed to have the chance to see it even if it's quite out of the way on my itinerary, I am happy my cousin went with me. Oh that cute cat is from an old man asking for alms.

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  6. That is a beautiful bridge...

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    1. It is dear Rose :) Such a dream come true to walk in it for me :)

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  7. This is one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe I think. I walked across it shortly after the Iron Curtain came down - it was such a wonderful experience. I did love Prague, it's so full of history and music - after all it is the place that Mozart loved the most.

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    1. Hello dear Carola! I feel so glad and blessed that we share the same experience, and its very interesting that you were there at a time which is important to their history as a modern nation. I really want to go back someday there maybe on another season :)

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  8. I have never been to Europe, except as an Armchair Traveler. It is great to hear about some of your adventures there and see the photos as well.
    I hope you also never stop crossing bridges and leaving your mark :) xx

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    1. Margaret your words are always so touching! Thank you very much! Europe was such a big dream for me! I saved quite for some time since its expensive to go there when you are a Filipino with all the visa requirements but it was totally worth it. If only I live in a country like yours where I can easily go literally to any country without visas haha One of my biggest next dreams is your very own New Zealand!

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    1. Thank you so much Azka! Welcome to my blog :)

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  10. Nepomuk rings a bell about my childhood-days, there must´ve been a funny book.
    A funny book about a hero, maybe to teach children to be honest and keep a secret once given?
    Great journey, beautiful pictures, too!
    I always feel sad for my Brother who rarely goes on holiday and if, it´s always Germany these days.
    I am thankful, too, to have had the possibility, like you, to visit so many other countries and cultures to build up memories for as long as we are given to remember (my Granmother suffered Alzheimer´s and wee, that is a frightening thought).

    Oh, Stevenson, -2C must´ve been an unusual pain to you? ;-)

    A very nice quote, dear friend.

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    1. Oh iris! That is exactly what his life is in a nutshell! That is amazing that they made a book about his story for kids to learn how important that virtue is :)

      I am so happy you like the photos and much happy that you also had amazing adventures in different countries and those are priceless experiences and memories that will last a lifetime! Oh I feel sad for your brother too but I hope he can also travel someday when all is safe with his daughters as well.

      Oh to be honest I really loved it! Thankful for the good heating on the apartment we stayed at (that apartment was so gorgeous!) and to my thermal underwear from Uniqlo, I did enjoy the very cold weather! Though I had to be honest that my hands did not last very long without gloves on it HAHA

      Thanks my dear friend Iris :) And thank you so much for always being part of Timeless Thursdays!

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  11. aww...beautiful views with great buildings and statues. I wish to visit this kind of place one day.
    Thank you for sharing your amazing photos.

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    1. Thank you so much Tanza, that is so nice of you! Make sure you add Prague to your list of places to visit, it's amazing!

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  12. Wish to visit Prague someday.... Well for the time being, let me just enjoy the pictures. Hope one day, the dream comes true. Thanks for sharing Steve

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    1. I;m sure and I pray that you will Cipu, I very much recommend Prague :) All my pleasure and I hope you did enjoy the shots :)

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  13. Wonderful walk along this historical bridge. It was quite a stirring adventure for you. There was no social on those days so you could enjoy the crowds. Stay safe, Stevenson!

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    1. That is absolutely right my friend! Earlier in the morning the people were quite manageable but during noon oh my it was packed with so many tourists but I didn't mind though because it was -1 C that noon and I loved it :)

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  14. Beautiful sky shots. I really like the last one. Something magical about it!

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    1. Thank you so much my friend! Yes! I love that too so much. I shot that at around 4 in the afternoon on the adjacent bridge :)

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  15. Great photos, especially the ones of you and the first and last photos. The last one is beautiful, you must have a great eye and camera. The first photo is a really nice piece of street photography. It's nice to have your cousin with you, that's what cousins are for after all.
    I hope my turtle pic from last week qualifies, he was beautiful to me anyway (:

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    1. Jeanna that is so dear of you to say thank you so much! I actually was just using my old iPhone 7 plus phone camera but yes, I love this camera phone so much! That is true! my cousin and I had very fun times with her parents!

      very much qualified dear Jeanna! Thank you so much for sharing your cute friend :)

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  16. This bridge, the skies, the images you share are all beautiful. I've never been here -- and oh, what a grand trip it must have been for you!

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    1. You said it right Jeanie, it really was a grand trip of my dreams! Six countries in three weeks was truly memorable :) Thank you so much dear Jeanie!

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  17. Great scenery and interesting history.

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    1. Than kyou so much Lady Fi! Please have a great weekend!

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  19. Hello, wonderful tour and a beautiful bridge. Looks like crowds of people enjoy the view there. Pretty skies! Great series of photos. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

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    1. True that Eileen! It was really a great feeling while on that bridge. Thank you so much and have an awesome weekend Eileen!

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  20. You got some great photos. That bridge is remarkable.

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    1. Thank YOU Yogi for your kind comment and for hosting Skywatch Friday all these years :)

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  21. I have never been there but i really want to visit Prague :) fantastic photos :)

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    1. Thank you so much dear Agata! I think it's just a train ride from Poland ride? Please do visit! (me, I wanna visit your beautiful country someday as well!)

      Happy New Week Agata!

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