First Published Nov 1, 2022, 9:31 PM IST
10 Most Famous Bridges in the World: Over time, man has created architecture for the purpose of providing an easy path to bridge the gaps between physical barriers. Below is a list of the most famous bridges in the world.
Chapel Bridge: Chapel Bridge has a span of 204 meters or 670 feet. This bridge is built to cross the river Reus in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge. Not only that, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Switzerland. Built in 1333, the bridge was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from enemy attacks. Inside the bridge is a series of frescoes dating back to the 17th century. It depicts events from Lucerne’s history. It is worth noting that most of the bridge and most of these paintings were destroyed in a 1993 fire.
Sengyang Bridge: Sengyang Bridge is known as the bridge that withstands wind and rain. This bridge was built in 1916. The bridge spans the Linzi River. It is built of wood and stone without nails. It is 64.4 meters long, 3.4 meters wide and 10.6 meters high.
Great Belt Bridge: The Great Belt Bridge is actually built to connect two places. The bridge is divided into east and west by a small island called Sprogo. It is the third longest bridge in the world. At 254 meters (833 ft) above sea level, the two piers of the East Bridge are the highest in Denmark.
Alcantara Bridge: Alcantara Bridge is a masterpiece of ancient Roman bridge architecture. The bridge was built in AD 98 on the orders of the Roman Emperor Trajan. Alcantara Bridge has suffered more damage from war than the elements.
Brooklyn Bridge: The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. At the time of its opening, it was, for many years, the longest suspension bridge in the world. And it has become a famous and iconic landmark of New York. The bridge has a wide walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.
Starry Most: Stari Most Bridge is a famous bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built in 1566 by the Ottoman Turks. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993. Subsequently, a project was set up to rebuild it. And the new bridge was opened in 2004. It is a tradition for the city’s youth to jump from the bridge into the Neretva River. Only highly trained divers attempt this.
Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge is a bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames in London. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name and has become a symbol of London. Construction began in 1886 and took eight years. The bridge consists of two towers connected together at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, which are designed to withstand the forces of the suspended parts of the bridge.
Rialto Bridge: The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It is the oldest bridge across the canal. This bridge was completed in 1591. The engineering of this bridge has been designed to challenge modern times.
Charles Bridge: Charles Bridge is a bridge over the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction was started in 1357 by King Charles IV. This bridge was completed in the early 15th century. Prague played an important role as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. Today it is a popular spot in Prague for painters, kiosk owners, and other vendors, along with tourists crossing the bridge.
Sydney Harbor Bridge: The Sydney Harbor Bridge is Australia’s most famous. Not only that but it is also famous globally. It stands 134 meters (440 ft) above Sydney Harbour. It took eight years before it was built and opened in March 1932.