Statue of Bruncvík, Charles Bridge

The Statue of Bruncvík stands on the south side of Charles Bridge in Prague, one of the lesser-noticed figures among the bridge's famous parade of monumental sculptures. It was created by Czech sculptor Ludvík Šimek and unveiled in 1884 — a relatively late addition compared with the baroque saints that have lined the bridge since the 17th and 18th centuries.

Who was Bruncvík?

Bruncvík is the hero of one of the best-known Czech chivalric legends. The story follows a young prince who sets out on a long journey to earn a coat of arms worthy of his lineage, survives a string of adventures, and eventually befriends a lion that stays loyally by his side for the rest of his life — which is why a lion crouches at the statue's feet. The double-tailed lion remains part of the Czech coat of arms today, and folklore ties its presence there directly to Bruncvík's story. The sculpture shows the knight holding a sword and a shield bearing this heraldic lion.

The legend of the hidden sword

A second story is often told alongside the statue: Bruncvík's sword is said to have been hidden somewhere near the bridge, beneath one of its piers, ready to reappear and defend the Czech people at their moment of greatest need. It's an unverified legend rather than historical fact, but it's one locals still enjoy passing on to visitors crossing the bridge.

Where exactly is it located?

The statue stands on the south side of Charles Bridge, which links Prague's Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) on the opposite bank of the Vltava. Its coordinates are approximately 50.08659 N, 14.40935 E, placing it right along the bridge's main pedestrian route — one of the busiest sightseeing walks in the whole city.

Why is this statue worth a closer look?

Charles Bridge is best known as an open-air gallery of several dozen statues, most of them baroque depictions of saints and church patrons. Against that backdrop, Bruncvík stands out: a secular, chivalric figure drawn from native Czech folklore rather than the church's iconographic tradition. It's a reminder that the bridge carries more than religious symbolism — it also holds a distinctly national, legendary layer rooted in centuries-old folk storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who made the Statue of Bruncvík? Czech sculptor Ludvík Šimek created the statue, which was installed in 1884.

Which side of Charles Bridge is it on? The statue stands on the south side of Charles Bridge in Prague.

Who is Bruncvík in Czech legend? He's a legendary knight from a Czech folk tale about a journey during which he befriends a lion — the animal appears at his feet in the statue, and his lion-bearing coat of arms echoes the modern Czech emblem.

Is this the oldest statue on the bridge? No — most of the statues on Charles Bridge date from the baroque period (17th–18th century); the 1884 Bruncvík statue is one of the later additions to the gallery.