Hlávkův most Bridge
Hlávkův most connects Wilson Street on the border of New Town and Karlína with Buben Street in Holešovice, bridging Vltava and its island Štvanici. The exceptional nature of the bridge lies in its creation - it was built in two stages using different construction systems, reflecting the dispute between the younger and older generations of Prague architects of the early twentieth century.
The southern part of the bridge, leading over the right (sailing) shoulder of the Vltava, is an iron lattice bridge built between 1908 and 1910 according to the designs of engineer Mechislav Petrua. The northern part, which passes through the northern arm of Vltava, was realized in 1910 and 1911 as a reinforced concrete construction according to the designs of architect Pavel Janák and engineer František Menclo. This northern part represents a breakthrough - it was the first Czech bridge with concrete construction without traditional stone panelling. The bridge was connected directly to the bridge of the Masaryk railway station, making it a key part of the expanding Prague infrastructure.
In connection with the regulation of Vltava, the original bridge route was different from today's - led through Jerusalem Island and Crown Island. The bridge included two tolls for the selection of the myths located in the falcons of monumental sandstone sculpture Works and Humanita by sculptor Jan Štursa; these booths disappeared on a later remodel.
Between 1958 and 1962 the bridge underwent a complete reconstruction and expansion into an almost straight route. The original iron part was replaced by a reinforced concrete part, leaving only part of the original bridge decoration. The resulting northern part consists of seven arcs - three arcs bridge the Vltava (two with a span of 36 metres and a medium with a span of 19 metres), four smaller arches (17,85 meters) bridge the island of Štvanici. The south side has an arc-free filling.
The bridge structure serves road, tram and pedestrian traffic. In 1983, the northern foothold was rebuilt to a complex cross-level intersection with a set of underpasses and a pedestrian ramp. Tram track leads through the middle of the bridge. The traffic picture was changing with the time - until recently, the bus lines from Florence to the north were being transported along the bridge, their station had the island of Štvanice, but all daily lines were cancelled in 1984.
The bridge still bears the name Josef Závka, builder and philanthropic benefactor, which ranks it among the sparse Prague bridges that were never renamed. It becomes not only a transport hub but also a silent monument to its era. / p >
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1909-1912
- Building a bridge in the original trail.
- 1958-1962
- Complete reconstruction, extension and replacement of the iron part with concrete.
- 1983
- Conversion of the northern foothills to an off-level intersection.
- 1984
- Cancellation of daily bus lines and stops on the island of Štvanice.
Architectural development
The bridge was originally made up of an iron lattice section and the first Czech reinforced concrete structure without stone lining. During the reconstruction in the years 1958- 1962, the iron part was replaced with reinforced concrete. The northern part is now seven arches of different ranges.
Historical events
1909-1912: bridge construction; 1958-1962: complete reconstruction and extension to today's route.
Points of interest
- Hlávkův most connects Wilson Street with Buben Street and brightens Vltava and Štvanici Island. - The bridge was built in two stages using different construction systems, reflecting the dispute between younger and older generations of Prague architects in the early 20th century. - The southern part of the bridge is an iron lattice bridge built between 1908 and 1910, while the northern part was realized as the first Czech concrete bridge without stone lining. - The bridge was a key part of the expanding Prague infrastructure, connected directly to the bridge bridge of Masaryk Station. - Originally the bridge led through Jerusalem and Crown Island, but after reconstruction between 1958 and 1962 it underwent a change of route.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Hlávka Bridge is the thirteenth Prague bridge across the Vltava River, counted downstream. It is part of the North-South Thoroughfare and connects Wilson Street on the border of Nové Město and Karlín with Bubenská Street in Holešovice. On the Nové Město side, it directly connects to the bridge over Masaryk Station. It serves cars, trams, and pedestrians. It bears the name of builder and philanthropist Joseph Hlávka and, like few other significant Prague bridges, has never been renamed.
The bridge was created in connection with the regulation of the Vltava, during which the river's course changed and a number of channels and islands disappeared. Originally it ran from Těšnov across Jerusalem Island, Coronation Island, and Štvanice, thus on a different alignment than today. It consisted of two sections, each with a different design. The reason for this was disputes between the younger and older generations of architects. Over the southern channel with navigation locks, engineer Mečislav Petrů built an iron truss bridge between 1908 and 1910. The northern section across the island and the left arm of the river was created in 1910 and 1911 according to the design of architect Pavel Janák and engineer František Mencl. It was the first Czech concrete bridge without stone cladding.
The bridge is decorated with a monumental sandstone group sculpture by Jan Štursa called Work and Humanity. In their pedestals were originally toll booths.
Between 1958 and 1962, the bridge was completely rebuilt and widened into today's almost straight alignment. The iron section was replaced by a reinforced concrete one. The toll booths disappeared and only part of the original decoration remained. The northern part of the bridge today consists of seven arches. Above the river are three arches, two with a span of 36 meters and the middle one with a span of 19 meters. Above the Holešovice side of Štvanice are four more, each with a span of 17.85 meters. The bridge crosses the southern side of the island as an embankment. From it you can go down barrier-free to the island on the eastern side. On the western side it adjoins a former winter stadium building. The southern part of the bridge is not arched.
In 1983, the northern approach bridge was rebuilt into a complex grade-separated intersection. Pedestrians must navigate it through a system of underpasses and ramps. One of the underpasses is partially designed as a gallery on the river side with a view of the Vltava.
The tram line runs through the middle of the bridge. On the Nové Město side it leaves the thoroughfare through a tunnel into Těšnov Street. On the Holešovice side it was lowered in the eighties and branches into two directions near Vltavská metro station. Previously, a number of bus lines ran across the bridge from Florence to Northern City and had stops on Štvanice. After the extension of metro line C to Holešovice Station in 1984, these were discontinued. Night buses still pass through here today but do not stop.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit Shávkov Bridge is in the early morning or in the evening when there are fewer people and the atmosphere on the bridge becomes quieter. This period also offers beautiful lighting conditions for photography, especially at sunset when the bridge is illuminated in romantic colours.
For photography, remember to take a high-quality camera or mobile phone with a good lens to capture panoramic views of the Vltava and surrounding architecture.
For families with children, Hlávkův most is an ideal place to enjoy beautiful walks on the bridge. Remember to wear protective clothes and shoes suitable for walking, especially in colder months. There is a possibility to visit the island of Štvanice where children can enjoy their leisure and explore the natural environment.
There are several interesting locations in the vicinity of Návkov Bridge. Visit the Buben waterfront where you can enjoy the view of Vltava and relax in a quiet atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a structure in a public space that can usually be seen from outside free of charge. We have not verified that this particular one is freely accessible.
Where is the monument?
Location: Hlávkův most, Holešovice, Praha, Karlín, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 40589/1-1555).
For kids
Imagine going back 115 years to Prague, which was completely different then. It was a big and noisy town with narrow streets and houses made of stone or wood. Only over 250,000 people lived in Prague at the time.
Who lived here? They were merchants, craftsmen, artists and poor people. The city was full of noise and smell. People made a living making clothes, processing wood or cooking food in bakers.
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
The island of Štvanice, Masaryk Railway Station, the Buben waterfront.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Masaryk station (railway station) - The entry point of the route, which serves as a practical starting point for visitors. 2. Buben embankment (waterfront) - A walk along the river offers a quiet atmosphere and pleasant views of the water. 3. Hlávkův most (bridge) - The main destination of the trip, which represents an important architectural element connecting both sides of the river. 4. Island Štvanice (island) - Final stop for relaxation in green in the middle of the urban environment.
Seasonal recommendations
In spring the bridge comes alive with the arrival of the first heaths and fresh greenery in the surrounding parks. The atmosphere is full of hope and light is fine, which is ideal for observing architecture. I recommend to dress in layered clothes because weather in Karlín is usually variable. It's best to leave in the morning before the surrounding streets are filled with people.
The summer season brings sharp sun and intense lighting, which highlights the details of the bridge structure. The air is hot and the surroundings are very dynamic. Due to high temperatures and the largest number of visitors it is advisable to come very early in the morning. Don't forget light, breathable clothes and plenty of fluids.
In the autumn, the surroundings of the bridge turn into golden and brown tones, while fog often hovering over the river. The light is muted and creates a melancholy mood. The practical recommendation is to wear a waterproof jacket and visit a place in the late afternoon when the leaf colour is the most distinctive.
In the winter, the bridge is hard and cold, which underlines its industrial character. Freezing wounds and short days create a specific, quiet atmosphere. It is necessary to choose a very warm outfit, including a hat and gloves, so that you don't get caught in the water. I recommend a short walk in the time of ignition of public lighting.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: I would appreciate being notified if you use my work outside Wikimedia. More of my work can be found in my personal gall / CC BY-SA 3.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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