This monument stands in tribute to the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. Created for the 500th anniversary of the founding year of Charles University, this Neo-Gothic sculpture has a tower acting as a pedestal topped with a sculpture of the smiling Charles wearing his imperial regalia. Around the tower, below the emperor are four allegorical sculptures representing I think the four original faculties of the university, theological, medical, legal and philosophical. Worth a look if near Charles Bridge, it’s right next to it. Very popular gathering point for tours and people sitting, so it takes a bit of patience to get a clear photo.

Did you know that Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, had a long and successful reign? That the Empire he ruled from Prague expanded, and his subjects lived in peace and prosperity? That when he died, the whole Empire mourned, and more than 7,000 people accompanied him on his last procession? Did you also know that the heir to the throne of the flourishing Empire was Charles' son, Wenceslas IV, whose father had prepared him for this moment all his life? But did you also know that Wenceslas did not take after his father, and neglected affairs of state for more f r i v o l o u s p u r s u i t s? Did you know he even failed to turn up for his own coronation as Emperor, which did little to endear him to the Pope, and that Wenceslas "the Idle" did not impress the Imperial nobility either? Did you know that many difficulties mounted, until the nobles, exasperated by the inaction of their ruler, turned for help to his half-brother, King Sigismund of Hungary? That Sigismund decided on a radical solution - he kidnapped the King to force him to abdicate, then took advantage of the ensuing disorder to gain greater power for himself? Did you know that he invaded Bohemia with a massive army and began pillaging the territories of the King's allies?

Charles IV is considered the greatest king of the Czech Republic, and he contributed to the political, economic and cultural growth of Bohemia by using his many positions such as King of Bohemia, King of Rome, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, King of Italy, and King of Burgundy. During his reign, Charles IV also made significant contributions to the development of science and art, including establishing Prague as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and establishing the first university in Central Europe. Charles IV issued the Golden Bull, stipulating the election of the emperor of the empire, and laid the foundational principles of the empire until the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in the 19th century.

A well crafted statue that pays tribute to the Holy Roman Emperor. 1. Hope you enjoy it 2. Nth special just an ordinary statue but walk pass it and take a picture of you like

nice statue.

Absolutely gorgeous and packed with history. Prague as a whole was a wonderful place to visit.

Beautiful!

Beautiful statue and experience! Recommend guided tours for the Charles bridge and the area. Free! (Not the tours)

Prague is a marvellous city, though with slightly too many tattoo and massage parlours catering to stag parties, but what it could really use is some sandblasting. Every statue and monument is caked in black soot - London used to look like this in the 1970s. If the Prague authorities just scrubbed the place up a bit it would look as beautiful as Paris, and be a huge plus for tourism... Not that Prague needs more tourists!

This statue was in Prague Old Town Square, but it wasn't easy to see due to the Christmas market and the crowds of people. However, the atmosphere and smells of the market were brilliant.

The statue of Charles IV at the old town end of Charles Bridge. A nice historical monument. It is not very big or important when compared to the other things in Prague but nice to see.

Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, had a long and successful reign. The empire he ruled from Prague expanded, and his subjects lived in peace and prosperity. When the emperor died, the whole empire mourned. More than 7000 people accompanied him on his last procession.

Great views here at the New Town end of the King Charles bridge. Excellent meeting place too. We did a Charles Bridge and Prague Castle tour from here.

Stands tall near the bridge. Impressive

Nice place to watch midsummer over Prague castle.

It's like an "eddie" from the river flow of visitors coming off the Charles bridge. Nice views of the river and the opposite shore. A good place to arrange meeting someone. Plenty of seating. There are sales people selling the river boat cruises.

Big statue for the most famous king of Bohemia.

every nice trip starts with a "let's meet at the statue if Charles and walk across the Charles Bridge".

It's the start of a great bridge.

You cannot understand Prague nor its history if you dont know a little about Charles IV.

Very beautiful Statue

History behind Charles IV is fascinating, try and book with Free Walking Tours for more info.

Excellent place to visit. Grest value.

I hate massive tourism, you better wake up at 5 and get there before 7 AM

Nothing too exciting, statue as a statue, but a stroll over the bridge was lovely in today's sunny weather