Tomas, thank you very much for broaching the subject of the padlocks. It is a fairly recent trend that has been spreading across many capitals and it is very problematic.
What is supposed to be a romantic act has become not only an eyesore, but in some cases has threatened the integrity of structures upon which these locks have been affixed.
Case in point the Pont des Arts in Paris, where in 2015 the mesh on a side of the footbridge collapsed under the weight of these padlocks. Officials estimated the weight of the locks on the bridge to be about 45 tons.
Forty five tons?! That is a tremendous amount of permanent weight stressing a structure, oftentimes an old, historical landmark.
Plus, how about the chemical disintegration of the metal keys that are thrown into the water below? I wonder what the fish (if there are any left) think of that.
I second Tomas in his plea to find alternative ways to pledge one’s undying love.
How about a contest to showcase the most romantic ways and the most romantic places around Prague to celebrate love? And Petřín Hill sure is a great place to start!