Most of the sculptural compositions that shape the unique appearance of Karlov Bridge are based on church themes and are dedicated to various Catholic saints and stories from their lives. However, among them there is one hero whose legends were very popular in secular rather than spiritual life.
In olden times, the most beloved hero of Czech legends was the knight Bruncvik, whose sculpture you will find not on Karlov Bridge itself, but on one of its pylons, located on the southern side near Kampa Island. As you can imagine, such a place was assigned to him precisely so as not to "mix" Bruncvik with the Catholic saints, but nevertheless to note his significant role in Czech history.
There is an opinion that this character actually symbolized one of the kings of the Premyslid dynasty, who in 1172 changed the image on the coat of arms of Bohemia from a black eagle to a silver lion. This is exactly what you will see at the knight's feet if you look carefully at the monument. The same lion is still found on the coat of arms of the Czech Republic. Wondering how the king of beasts earned such fame? Turn on our audio guide to Karlov Bridge and you will find out!
