Statue of Saint Ludmila, Charles Bridge

The Statue of Saint Ludmila stands on the south side of Charles Bridge in Prague, one of roughly thirty Baroque sculptures that turn the medieval river crossing into an open-air gallery. Carved from sandstone, it shows Saint Ludmila together with her young grandson, the future Saint Wenceslas, and it is one of the few monuments on the bridge that ties the story of Bohemia's patron saint directly to the woman who raised him.

Who is depicted, and why together?

Ludmila of Bohemia was the grandmother of Wenceslas, later Duke of Bohemia and the country's most venerated saint. According to the story that shaped this sculpture's design, Ludmila took an active role in raising Wenceslas and grounding him in the Christian faith after the early death of his father. The statue captures that relationship: Ludmila appears as the mature, guiding figure, with the young Wenceslas beside her. The base carries a relief showing the murder of Wenceslas, a reminder that both figures met violent ends and were later honored as martyrs and saints of Bohemia.

Who made it, and when?

The work is attributed to Matthias Braun, the most prolific and influential sculptor working in Prague during the high Baroque period, with a probable date around 1730. Records for the exact commission are incomplete, which is common for several of the bridge's older statues, but stylistic evidence and long-standing attribution point firmly to Braun's workshop. The sculpture reached its current spot on the south balustrade around 1784, replacing an earlier statue of Wenceslas that had been damaged and lost that same year, reportedly during flooding of the Vltava.

Where exactly is it on the bridge?

Look for it on the south side of Charles Bridge, among the continuous row of statues facing the river toward Malá Strana. The Prague City Gallery, which administers the entire collection of Charles Bridge statues, is responsible for its ongoing conservation, as Prague's damp climate and heavy foot traffic put steady pressure on centuries-old sandstone.

How do you get there, and is there anything to pay?

Charles Bridge itself is a free, pedestrian-only crossing open around the clock, and the statue can be viewed at any time without a ticket or guide. The closest starting points are Old Town Square on the east bank and Malostranské náměstí on the west bank; both are a short walk from the bridge towers. Trams and the Malostranská metro station (Line A) drop you within a few minutes' walk of the western end.

When is the best time to visit?

Charles Bridge is one of the most photographed and most crowded spots in Prague during the day. Early morning, shortly after sunrise, or late evening after most tour groups have left, gives the clearest view of individual statues, including this one, without having to work around a wall of visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the original 18th-century statue? The sculpture on the bridge today is the one maintained and periodically restored by the Prague City Gallery; as with several works on the bridge, centuries of weather exposure have required ongoing conservation work rather than a single fixed, untouched original.

Why is Wenceslas shown as a child here? The statue reflects Ludmila's role as his grandmother and early guardian, before he grew into the Duke of Bohemia later honored as the country's patron saint.

Is there an entry fee to see the statue? No. Charles Bridge is a public pedestrian bridge, free and open at all hours.

How do I find it among the other bridge statues? It stands on the south side of the bridge; walking along that balustrade from either end will bring you to it as part of the continuous row of Baroque sculptures.