The Bridge of Svatopluk Cech in Prague / Most Svatopluka Cecha v Praze
N 50° 05.583 E 014° 25.017
33U E 458295 N 5549139
The Bridge of Svatopluk Cech or Cech Bridge (In Czech: Most Svatopluka Cecha or Cechuv most) is a arch bridge over river Vltava (Moldau) in Prague, Czech Republic.
Waymark Code: WM68MH
Location: Hlavní město Praha, Czechia
Date Posted: 04/24/2009
Views: 193
Construction of the bridge started in 1905 and finished in 1908. Its length is 169 meters (one of the shortest in Prague) and width is 16 meters.
The bridge connects the Prague districts Holešovice and the Old Town (Staré Mesto). Construction materials are stone (pillars) and iron (arches). Up to 1961 the roadway was made of wood - a hard specie named Jarrah from Australia. The roadway got very slippery during rains.
Bridge architects were Jan Koula and Jirí Soukup. Art Nouveau style sculptures (including four put on 17.5 meters high pylons) were created by sculptors Klusácek, Wurzel, Popp and Amort.
The bridge was named after recently died Czech writer Svatopluk Cech (1846-1908); its opening became feat of Czech nation. During occupation of Czech lands by Nazis name of the bridge was changed (1940-1945) to Mendel Bridge (Mendeluv most), after Gregor Mendel (of German ethnicity).
During 1971-1975 Svatopluk Cech Bridge went through major reconstruction, during 1953-1956 and 2000-2001 through smaller reconstructions, during 1984-1987 the sculptures were repaired.
As the only Art Nouveau style bridge in the Czech Republic it is protected by state (Chránená technická památka). It is used by tramways, cars and pedestrians.