Bridge Parapet Bearing Witness to Historical Development – a Change in the Stonework Layout

One of the most media monitored issues was the repairs of the bridge parapet of the bridge. Aggravation was caused mostly by the change of the structure of the original stonework layout and the allegedly forceful method of dismantling the blocks itself. The original stonework layout on the parapet walls is strictly being adhered to and pictorial documentation is being collected continuously. The potential little deviations in the stonework layout are the result of the effort to reuse as many original blocks as possible. The situation is blurred largely also by the above mentioned 1960’s and 1970’s repairs. Then, the face of the bridge parapet was often done using sandstone tiles of different dimensions than the back had. All of these interventions and repairs have and still are being consulted with a National Historical Institute representative. The dismantling of the bridge parapet itself is done with the utmost care using wooden wedges, only rarely a handheld tool is used. The true catch of dismantling the bridge parapet is, however, the consequence of the last century repairs when grout mixture was used instead of lime mortar. This grouting destroyed the cement blocks in its vicinity and their dismantling is by no means possible using the above mentioned (least destructive) methods.

Kamenořez handrail if possible always be respected. | Charles Bridge museum Detail kamenořezu railing. | Charles Bridge museum