What: Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Why see: When controller Jim Phelps (Jon Voight) craftily falls into Prague's Vltava River from the Charles Bridge in "Mission Impossible," the saints who guard the bridge look on and know his secret. Perhaps, that's why, in the end, the good guys win. Grandly Gothic, the Charles Bridge is one of the world's most beautiful stone bridges; and strolling its medieval cobblestones counts among the city's defining pleasures. Straddling the Vltava River, the bridge connects the Old Quarter (Stare Mestro) with the approach to Prague Castle or the Little Quarter (Mala Strana).

By the numbers: One-third of a mile long (about the diameter of Punchbowl), the bridge is just 30 feet wide. Bridge-building began in 1357 after its predecessor, the Judita Bridge, was swept away in a flood 15 years earlier. Thirty massive Baroque statues of saints, mounted on pedestals along each side, have guarded those crossing on foot for 650 years; a Romanesque tower, which visitors can climb for a panoramic view of the city, fortifies each end of the bridge.

What's nearby: Prague's Old Quarter and beyond has close to 1,000 years of well-preserved architecture (and keep in mind Prague's "New Town" area dates from the 14th century). In the town's Old Square is the medieval Astronomical Clock dating from 1410; you can eat really good pastries and drink coffee at many of the outdoor restaurants while waiting for the figures to appear from inside the clock face as the hour chimes. Cross the Charles Bridge from the Old Quarter and walk to St. Vitus Cathedral and the magnificent Prague Castle. Music from classical quartets to jazz ensembles play indoors and out around the city center day and night. A two-hour river cruise of the River Vltava includes lunch and leaves from close to the bridge. Cost is $35.

Starring role in: "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" 1988, "Mission Impossible" 1996, "A Knight's Tale" 2001, "Comfortably Numb" 2005.

When to go: The bridge is a pedestrian zone. If you want to have it all to yourself, go at night, or the very best time is early morning. The Charles Bridge tops every Prague visitor's must-see list.

Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.