For six and a half centuries, this marvel of medieval engineering has spanned the River Vltava, linking Stare Mesto (the old town) with Mala Strana and the castle. Flanked on either end by towers, this Gothic structure is an image of elegance, strength and continuity. During the Baroque period, the bridge was embellished with two superb lines of religious statues, which make crossing the river a sort of pilgrimage. The bridge is named after its founder, Charles IV.