Incredible Animation Shows How Bridges Were Built in 14th-Century Prague

Charles Bridge in Prague

Photo: Stock Photos from czitrox/Shutterstock

We're used to driving across bridges to get from place to place, but have you ever wondered how these ambitious architectural Goliaths were first created? Engineering and Architecture dives into the how with an eye-opening animation that demonstrates the construction of the Charles Bridge in Prague from 1357-1402. The bridge is part of an iconic composition across the Vltava (Moldau) river in the popular Czech Republic city. Spanning nearly 1,700 feet and over 33 feet wide, it is a popular tourist destination and holds high historical significance for the city.

The video itself cleverly breaks down the nearly 50-year-long construction process of the Charles Bridge. First, we see the execution of individual footings in the water, from preliminary structural elements to the draining of water from the interior of the footing. It later zooms out from the individual footings and explains the bridging across each element.

These arches are supported by temporary wooden frameworks used for the creation of perfect brick arches. A pulley system is used to lift supplies from boats waiting beneath the structure. Impressive piles of stone and other materials create the infill for all elements. Once the footings and arches are completed, the animation demonstrates the infill and pavement used for the top walking surface of the bridge. Finally, the animation zooms out to the completed box bridge—an impressive structure of 16 arches.

The Charles Bridge was not a new project, it was commissioned to replace the old Judith bridge that was flooded and seriously damaged in 1342. The current bridge was completed under the name Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, but was later named Charles Bridge after King Charles IV who commissioned it.

Watch the animation below to take trip back in history and learn more about the construction of the Charles Bridge.

Ever wonder how bridges were built centuries ago? Watch this animation of Prague's Charles Bridge being constructed to get an eye-opening idea.

h/t: [Twisted Sifter]

Related Articles:

Picturesque Bridge in China Creats Serenely Symmetrical Reflection in Water

This Machstick Animation Helps People Understand the Importance of Social Distancing

Charming Animation Illustrates the Different Gaits of Four Legged Animals

MIT Engineers Proves Da Vinci's Design for World's Largest Bridge Could Actually Work 

Samantha Pires

Sam Pires is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She is also a freelance architectural designer. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from NJIT and is currently earning a Master in Architecture II from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Sam has design experience at multiple renowned architecture firms such as Gensler and Bjarke Ingels Group. She believes architecture should be more accessible to everyone and uses writing to tell unexpected stories about the built environment. You can connect with her online at @sampir.fi.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content