Svatopluk Čech Bridge
Svatopluk Čech Bridge or Čech Bridge is an arch bridge over river Vltava in Prague, Czech Republic.
Construction of the bridge started in 1905 and finished in 1908. Its length is 169 m and width is 16 m.
The bridge connects the Prague districts Holešovice and the Old Town. Construction materials are stone and iron. Up to 1961 the roadway was made of wood – a hard species named Jarrah from Australia. The roadway got very slippery during rains.
Bridge architects were Jan Koula and Jiří Soukup. Art Nouveau style sculptures were created by sculptors Klusáček, Wurzel, Popp and Amort.
The bridge was named after recently died Czech writer Svatopluk Čech ; its opening became feat of Czech nation. During occupation of Czech lands by Nazis name of the bridge was changed to Mendel Bridge, after Gregor Mendel.
During 1971–75, Svatopluk Čech Bridge went through major reconstruction, during 1953-56 and 2000-01 through smaller reconstructions, during 1984-87 the sculptures were repaired.
As the only Art Nouveau style bridge in the Czech Republic, it is protected by state. It is used by tramways, cars and pedestrians.
