The Legia Bridge (Czech name: Most Legií) is a historical bridge over the Vltava River in Prague.
Translated from Czech, the bridge is called "Legion Bridge" or "Bridge of the Legions".
The bridge received its name "Legion Bridge" in honor of the Czechoslovak Legions of 1919-1940.
This beautiful historical bridge spans the Vltava River in the center of Prague, passes over the Strzelecki Island Park (Střelecky ostrov) and connects the National Avenue (National Boulevard) in the Nové Mesto district (Nové Město, New Town) with the Male Strana district (Mala Strana, Small Town).
Previously , there was a chain bridge named after Emperor Francis I on the site of the Legion Bridge .
Today's bridge was built on the initiative of entrepreneur Voytech Lana in 1999-1901. The bridge project was created by architect Antonin Balshanek and engineer Jiri Soukup.
The opening of the bridge, which took place ceremonially in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph, took place on June 14, 1901. Then the bridge, like its predecessor, was called the "Bridge of Emperor Franz Joseph I".
During the history of the bridge has changed names. Thus, the bridge received its name in honor of the legions with the advent of the First Republic; during the occupation it was called "Smetana Bridge", and from 1960 until the Velvet Revolution – "May 1 Bridge". After the Velvet Revolution, the name "Bridge of the Legions" was returned to the bridge.
The architecture of the bridge shows a combination of neo-Baroque and modern styles. On the bridge, on both sides of it there are two towers (pavilions-pylons), which were previously used to collect tolls.
The bridge is made of granite blocks with facing. It consists of arched spans. It has a length of 343 meters and a width of 16.4 meters. From the bridge there is a descent to Stresheletsky Island.
The bridge is pedestrian and carriageway. Pedestrian sidewalks run on both sides of the bridge.
Views from the Legia Bridge
The bridge offers beautiful views of the Vltava River, as well as the river embankments and part of historic Prague.
On one side of the bridge rises the monumental historic building National Theater (Národní divadlo) from which one of the most beautiful embankments in Prague originates - Masarykovo embankment (Masarykovo nábřeží).
On the other side of the bridge you can see the most famous bridge in Prague - ancient and exquisite Charles Bridge (Karluv most), as well as historical buildings on the banks, including St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad).
Practical information
The Legia Bridge is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day.
Coordinates of the Legions Bridge in Prague: 50°04'52.0"N 14°24'36.0"E (50.081111, 14.410000).
All accommodation facilities in Prague (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the city center and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
