Gazing up at the Bruncvík Statue, one might wonder about the golden sword held firmly in the knight’s grasp. The Bruncvík Statue, a prominent figure on the Charles Bridge, isn’t counted among the bridge’s thirty main statues. It stands slightly apart, on a pier beside the bridge, a silent sentinel watching over the Vltava River. Erected in 1884 by Ludvík Šimek, the Bruncvík Statue replaced an older statue of Roland. The statue serves as a reminder of Prague’s historical privileges concerning the bridge, including the right to collect tolls. The statue depicts Bruncvík, a legendary Bohemian knight, with his loyal lion companion resting at his feet. Legend says Bruncvík bravely aided the lion in a fierce battle against a formidable seven-headed dragon. This act of valor cemented their bond and earned Bruncvík the lion for the Kingdom of Bohemia’s coat of arms. This tale of courage and loyalty is etched in the bronze of the statue, a symbol of the city’s rich history and mythical past. The Bruncvík Statue, with its golden sword gleaming in the Prague sun, stands as a proud testament to the enduring power of legends and the city’s historical connection to the Charles Bridge.
Dolní Břežany
Could this grand Renaissance castle have once been a humble medieval fortress? It’s true! This is Dolní Břežany, dominated by