The Charles Bridge with Prague Castle pictured in the background. (Michal Cizek/Getty Images)
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Completed early in the 15th century, the bridge, with its sweeping arches, was an engineering marvel of the time.
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The 30 or so Baroque statues that adorn the balustrade of the bridge were not added until the turn of the 17th century.
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For centuries it was simply called the Stone Bridge. It became the Charles Bridge 140 years ago.
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The bridge hums with the presence of painters, photographers, musicians and tourists and has been used as a backdrop for movies, novels and music videos.
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Over 600 years, the bridge has borne witness to at least one epic military battle, public executions and a series of devastating floods.
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About 50,000 Bohemian sandstones were used in the Bridge's construction. Jan Knezinek, director of the Heritage Fund Department, said the department was not happy with the restoration of the stone blocks.
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