Prague announces plans to bring Čech Bridge's statues to life

Some of them will eject water into the Vltava River while others will hold fire torches

Prague’s beautiful architecture, its numerous bridges, and the Vltava river are some of the main attractions that make the Czech capital a popular tourist destination. These three attractions are interconnected as the city’s bridges have unique appearances and offer breathtaking views of the river.

Taking a case in point, Prague’s Čech Bridge was built in the early twentieth century and is the only steel arch bridge in the city. Its architecture is distinctive, with the bridge having several bronze statues of female torchbearers and three-headed dragons on its four pillars.

Now, the City of Prague has revealed that the bridge will undergo a partial restoration of its architecture and statues. 

Staying true to the original design

The restoration of Čech Bridge will include the reconstruction and fitting of lighting and effects systems. More specifically, the Technology Company of the Capital City of Prague (THMP) will modernise the 20th-century bridge, making its dragons spew water into the river at regular intervals. In addition to this, it will add flames to the torches of the female light-bearers. 

“From the surviving information, it seems that the fitting of water and gas pipelines was considered. At the same time, however, it is clear that this plan has not been implemented. Today, we are going to revive this unique monument and provide everyone with an unforgettable spectacle,” explained the Chairman of THMP’s Board of Directors, Tomáš Jílek.

Echoing this statement, Councillor Jan Chabr shared that Čech Bridge holds remarkable artistic value, even though it is the shortest road bridge in the capital. As a result, its restoration is expected to return it to its original glory and make it even more attractive.

THMP will reportedly start working on the renovation in the spring of 2022. In the future, the company will also be responsible for the remote control and monitoring of the lighting, gas, and water systems. 

To see photographs of Čech Bridge and its statues, view the gallery above.