Europe

12 Most Beautiful Bridges in Europe

A bridge is a construction built to span a valley, road, body of water, or other physical obstacle, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle. The first bridges were made by nature itself as simple as a log fallen cross ways a stream or stones in the river. The first bridges made by humans were most likely spans of cut wooden logs or planks and stones, using a simple support and crossbeam arrangement.

Now lots of bridge already created. Many of them in blend are architectural landmarks. Some of the modern overcome its technical excellence, while most ancient attract strange aura of centuries-old history.


1. Kapellbryukke (Chapel Bridge), Lucerne, Switzerland

Chappel Bridge is the oldest wooden structure in Europe, opened back in 1365. The original bridge was conceived as a defensive structure, connecting the new and the old part of town.

At the front of his cloister can find 111 pictures triangular form, telling us about important moments in the history of Switzerland. In 1993, the bridge was badly damaged by a fire that destroyed the 78 images.

But a year later he was re-opened, and drawings have been able to recover thanks to the surviving inventory.

2. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), Venice, Italy
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges across the Grand Canal, and, without doubt, the most photographed in Venice. Originally, its place was a pontoon decking, the load on that after the Rialto market has increased significantly, and in 1255 a canal was built first, until a wooden shift, which was burned during an uprising in 1310.

Rebuilt again, the bridge served a little over two hundred years and once collapsed under the weight of the crowd gathered to see the boat parade. In 1591 was reopened already in the Stone version, the bridge almost exactly like his wooden ancestor.

Located in the arches of the bridge 24 ’round are considered the most expensive place to buy souvenirs in all of Venice.

3. New bridge (Pont Neuf), Paris, France
The name that once characterized this bridge from the older brothers gradually became a routine and became a household name. Although such a name for the facility, built in the early XVII century, in our times, sounds strange.

He has long remained the widest bridge in Paris, and in addition, was the first bridge, equipped with sidewalks where pedestrians could find shelter from mud and spray, flying from the wheels of passing carts. Just two years ago, to its 400 the anniversary of the bridge was completely renovated.

4. Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd), Budapest, Hungary
Budapeshttsy called his favorite bridge, a symbol of the city, “old lady” that is worthy of structure, first opened in 1849. However, by the end of World War II, the Germans were able to blow up the bridge and reopened it was only in 1949, the day of his 100 birthday. Directly across the bridge under the castle hill, the architect overseeing the construction, constructed a tunnel is the same length as the bridge, and since urban residents joke that the tunnel is needed to bridge could hide there during the rainy season. Another legend associated with the symbol of Budapest, says that if between the two stone lion that sit at the entrance to the canvas, will be a man, never even thought of, not cheated on his wife, the predators zarychat. But the stone statues are silent from the moment of construction.


5. Tower Bridge, London, England

Located near the Tower of London, who gave the name of the bridge, Tower Bridge is a combination of movable and hanging bridges, located at different heights. However, tourists often call it “and London Bridge, which is actually located further upstream. Which began in 1886 building lasted only 8 years old and already in 1894 the bridge was inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, Edward and his wife, Princess Alexandra. Pedestrian Gallery building, originally conceived to ensure that people have always been able to cross the River Thames, regardless of whether divorced or not the bridge, shortly after the opening turned into a hot spot where collected pickpockets and prostitutes. Tired of fighting with them, 25 years later, the authorities simply shut down the gallery, re-opening them only in 1982 already as a museum and viewing platform.


6. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

The main attraction of Florence was built in the same style that Venetian Rialto. And the history of the bridges is alike. Ponte Vecchio has existed since Roman times, but collapsed in 1117, and then another, and was badly damaged by floods in 1333. Once in the shops, nestled in the arches of the bridge were busy butchers, but has long been the main goods sold here are numerous jewelry and souvenirs. They say this is why we went the word “bankruptcy”. When a seller sells on the bridge, could not pay their debts, came to him and the soldiers simply broke his desk. The action was called bancorotto, which means “broken bar”.


7. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

The first stone of a bridge that connects Old Town and Lesser Town was founded by Emperor Charles IV in 1357. Its construction lasted until the beginning of the XV century and currently it is almost exceptional in medieval bridge in the world. Among the thirty statues adorning the railing its luster stands a statue of St. John Nepomutskogo, polished by thousands of hands of people who believe that it will carry good luck to anyone who touches it. However, more knowledgeable sent to touch the handrails mounted to the cross, indicating the place where, according to legend, was thrown into the Vltava St John Nepomutsky. Come and take the bridge is best at sunset, when the waves of the river there are shadows of the towers of the Old City.


8. Old Bridge (Stair Most), Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Very nice bridge connecting two parts of the city of Mostar, was heavily damaged in 1993 during the Yugoslav conflict. But because he is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it quickly recovered and since then he has become a symbol of reconciliation. The bridge was built during the Ottoman occupation of the local ruler Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 just 9 years old.


9. Millau Viaduct (Le Viaduc de Millau),France

Suspension bridge between the valleys of the river Tarn in southern France, considered the highest in the world, his highest support is at around 343 meters, only 38 meters below the observation deck Empire State Building. The facility was opened early in 2004, just three years after the start of construction. The small radius of curvature of the roadway creates for those who come to him, the illusion of infinity. Three-meter fences made of nearly transparent material so as not to interfere enjoy magnificent views of the valley Tarna.


10. Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), Venice, Italy

Stretching near the Rio di Palazzo Bridge of Sighs, connecting the interrogation room in the Doge’s Palace with the prison, was built in the early XVII century. Such a romantic name he gave Lord Byron, implying that the emitted sighs of the prisoners, who for the last time allowed admiring Venice from this bridge before I put them in jail. But as time passed, and the legend strongly modified. Now she says that love and kissed her, sailing under this bridge at sunset, will love each other forever.


11. Bridge Cernavoda-Fetesti (Anghel Saligny Bridge), Romania

Thrown across the Danube, the bridge at the time of its completion in 1895 was the longest in Europe. Its length is 4037 meters and it stood at 30 meters above the water, allowing passing under it, even large vessels. Currently, the bridge was not used and is only a tourist attraction, as in 1987, was built near the new one.


12. Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug), Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Beautiful cable-stayed bridge, which locals call the “swan”, was built more recently, in 1996 and connects the southern and northern parts of Rotterdam. Compared with many others, its length is not so great, only 808 meters, but due to its unusual form, it has already become a symbol of the city.