The Charles Bridge is perhaps the most familiar sight in Prague. It spans the Vltava River, connecting Mala Strana and Hradcany with Old Town and Josefov (the old Jewish Quarter).

The cobblestone bridge is quite wide (pedestrians only, no cars), and lined with religious statues. As you would expect, there are also plentiful artists and souvenir sellers.

But the most interesting aspect of the bridge has to be the "penitents." Every evening (generally not during the day), the bridge hosts men and women who get down on their knees in a supplicant position, forehead nearly touching the cold ground, with their hands outstretched, begging.

We entered the bridge from the west side, flanked by these great towers. From the bridge, the view of the river was lovely, looking back toward Mala Strana or toward the weir and the National Theatre.

Looking west, you could see Mala Strana and Hradcany, the castle.