Otters and Science News: PRAGUE, THE MOST ROMANTIC AND BEAUTIFUL CITY IN EUROPE, AND ITS BRIDGES - The magical appeal of the city of Franz Kafka, Antonin Dvorak, and the mythical Golem

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I think that Prague, and not Paris, is the most romantic city in Europe. It is so mysterious and captivating that you fall in love with it at first sight.

Unlike Paris, much of which was architecturally redone in the second half of the 19th century, the Czech city of Prague retains its old architecture. There are times when you can almost feel transported to many centuries ago.

Bridges over Vltava River in Prague. Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko/Flickr

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The following article appeared first at AMUSING PLANET

Located on the banks of Vltava River, the historic city of Prague and the capital of Czech Republic is said to be one of Europe’s best preserved cities.

Photo credit: Deepak/Flickr

Practically untouched by the devastating wars of the 20th century, Prague has retained many of its historic buildings, castles, cathedrals, towers and bridges, which for the last thousand years, has been the shinning example of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Photo credit: Sylke Ibach/Flickr

Prague is known as the “city of hundred spires” for its many gold-tipped towers and medieval church spires that puncture the skyline, but you may as well call it the city of hundred bridges.

Photo credit: www.private-prague-guide.com

According to Prague.net, there are over three hundred bridges in the city. Eighteen of them span across river Vltava, and hundreds of other lead over many smaller rivers and brooks, and valleys.

Charles Bridge. Photo credit: chris.chabot/Flickr

The most famous is the Charles bridge, which began construction in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and completed in the beginning of the 15th century. But it wasn’t known as Charles Bridge until 1841.

Charles Bridge. Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko/Flickr

It was originally called the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge. The bridge replaced the old Judith Bridge built 1158–1172 that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. For more than 450 years, until 1841, it was the only bridge connecting both banks of Vltava. Today the bridge has its own museum.

Charles Bridge. Photo credit: torbus/Flickr

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Charles Bridge. Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko/Flickr

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Charles Bridge from top of the Bridge Tower. Photo credit: Florin Draghici/Flickr

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Charles Bridge. Photo credit: Moyan Brenn/Flickr

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The Legion Bridge is a granite bridge between the National Theatre and Újezd. From the bridge you can get to Střelecký Island, an island in the middle of the Vltava river at this place.

Photo credit: Dave Putz/Connie Sieh/Flickr

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The Svatopluk Čech Bridge connects the districts Holešovice with the Old Town. At 169 meters it is the shortest bridge in Prague.

Photo credit: Brian Snelson/Flickr

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The Mánes Bridge, named after the Czech painter Josef Mánes whose statue is by the Rudolfinum, joins the Lesser Quarter and the Old Town.

Photo credit: Guillaume Speurt/Flickr

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The Troja Bridge is the youngest and the most modern bridge in Prague, completer in 2014. The bridge serves tram and car traffic and has walkways for pedestrians and cycle paths on both sides.

Photo credit: Petr Chudoba/Panoramio

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