Old bridges of the world. Ancient Russian wooden bridges of the XI-XV centuries. ancient bridges

Usually, when it comes to ancient buildings that have survived to this day, they recall the Colosseum, leaning tower of pisa And Egyptian pyramids. But in fact, there are buildings that, although they were built thousands of years ago, are still used today. Vivid examples such structures are bridges. In our review, the 10 oldest of them.

1. Shekhara Bridge

The Shekhara Bridge, also known as the "Bridge of Sighs" (not to be confused with the Venetian), is located in Yemen. Built in the 17th century, the bridge connects two mountains, or rather the villages located on them, at an altitude of 2600 meters. It leads a bridge over a 200-meter precipice.

In the old days, the Shekhara Bridge was the only way to a major mountain village Shekhara and it was built not only for the convenience of communication, but also for protection from Turkish invaders. They say that locals know how to bring down a bridge in just a minute, completely isolating a mountain village.

2. Ponte Vecchio


Bridge Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 in Florence, Italy. As in the case of the Fabricio bridge, it was built to replace the old dilapidated wooden bridge. What is interesting about this bridge is that it was originally built with a bunch of shops on it, and it has survived to this day.

Initially, fish and meat merchants were located in these shops, but in the 1400s, due to an unpleasant smell that spread throughout the district, the ruler forbade trading on the bridge to anyone except jewelers and silversmiths. Today, these shops are mainly souvenir shops.

3. Rialto Bridge


The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) in Venice was built in 1591 again to replace the old destroyed wooden bridge. It was designed by the architect Antonio de Ponte, who won the competition to design the bridge from Michelangelo and Palladio. Unfortunately, after the construction, the Rialto Bridge began to be criticized by everyone and sundry, from residents to art connoisseurs, who stated that the bridge was too "massive and clumsy."

However, such a bridge (with a 24-meter-high arch to allow galleys to pass under it, and a row of shops in the middle of the bridge) simply could not be fragile and elegant.

4. Khaju Bridge


In 1667, on the foundations of the old bridge, by order of Shah Abbas II, a 133-meter arch was built across the Zayande River. a stone bridge Haju. In addition to its main function, it also acts as a dam, but its most interesting nuance is the social aspect. Right in the middle of the bridge, an impressive pavilion was built for the rest of Shah Abbas II and his courtiers. It contained comfortable seats overlooking the river, the teahouse, and the art gallery.

5. Fabricio Bridge


The Romans built many things that have stood the test of time. For example, in Rome you can see and visit the Fabricio Bridge (Pons Fabricius). The bridge was built by the doro curator Lucius Fabricius in 62 BC. to replace a burned-out wooden bridge. A 62-meter stone bridge connects the Tiber Island with the left bank of the Tiber. After a flood in 23 BC, two consuls, Marcus Lollius and Quintus Aemilius Lepidus, made adjustments to the bridge to improve it (although what exactly is unknown).

6. Jendera Bridge


The 120-meter bridge was built in Turkey in the second century to honor the Roman emperor Septimius Severus, his wife Julia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta. This is one of the longest arched bridges that were built by the Romans. On each side of the bridge there are two columns that were built in honor of Emperor Septimius Severus and his wife (on one side) and their children (on the other side).

The Geta Column is currently missing. When Caracalla came to power, he killed Geta and tried to erase any mention of them. It was then that the Geta column was destroyed.

7. Anji Bridge


The 50-meter Anji Bridge (also known as the "Big Stone Bridge") is the most old bridge preserved in China. It was built in 605 AD to be one of the finest in the world. At that time it was the most technically advanced bridge due to the presence of the largest arch. The bridge has survived 10 floods, eight wars and countless earthquakes, and has only been repaired nine times.

8. Bridge of the Holy Angel


Pedestrian Bridge Ponte Sant'Angelo across the Tiber River in Rome was built by order of Emperor Hadrian in 136 AD. The Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of the most famous bridges in Rome and also one of the most beautiful. He leads to the mausoleum of Hadrian (today it is the castle of the Holy Angel). In 1668, the sculptor Lorenzo Bernini decorated the bridge with 10 angels along its entire length. Each angel holds one of the symbols of Jesus' crucifixion, such as the crown of thorns.

9. Tarr Steps


Tarr Steps Bridge in British national park Exmoor is a 55-meter structure across the Barlo River, made of stone slabs. It is not known who and when did this. unusual bridge(some scholars suggest that it may have been built around 3000 BC), but local legends say that Tarr Steps was built by the Devil himself, who swore to kill anyone who dared to cross it.

10. Arcadiko Bridge


The Arcadiko Bridge in Greece is considered the oldest surviving arch bridge in the world. Scientists believe that it was built during the Greek bronze age, about 1300-1200 BC. Arcadiko was part of the military road between the cities of Tiryns and Epidauros in the Mycenaean era. It is wider than a conventional footbridge (about 2.5m wide).

Historians believe that this was done so that chariots could safely pass over the bridge. And what is most impressive about Arcadiko is that it is made entirely of limestone boulders, without the use of cement.

Connoisseurs beautiful architecture 5 footbridges are sure to please, too, which will make everyone dizzy. They deserve to be walked on at least once in a lifetime.

The longest ancient bridge in the world April 29th, 2016

If we turn to history, then the longest ancient bridge is considered to be the bridge of Constantine, the length of which was 2437 meters. But this bridge between modern Romania and Bulgaria lasted only 40 years.

But the Anping Bridge in China still exists. Up until 1905, its construction was the longest in China. A bridge of massive stone blocks runs over the mouth of the Shizhin River and connected the cities of Anhui and Shiitu. 331 spans of granite beams, six stone pagodas and five pavilions for travelers to rest - this is Anping.

Check it out in more detail...


Photo 2.

Now, due to the silting of the riverbed, the bridge was reduced by 150 meters and its length is 2070 meters, and only one of the pavilions for vacationers remains. Literally a few hundred meters from this structure there is a modern highway, the bridge structure of which is much smaller, because the width of the river has become quite insignificant.

Photo 3.

Quanzhou city located on southeast coast China, was one of the most important Chinese ports on the historical Maritime Silk Road. Formerly known as Zayton (or Zaytun), named by Arab merchants, the port received sailors and travelers of various cultures and religions passing by. The beginning of trade and cultural interactions with other regions, in particular, with cities on the coast South China Sea, falls on the earlier rule of the South Chinese dynasties in the VI century AD. Subsequently, the port became one of the four most used Chinese ports during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD). This was also due to the presence of one hundred other ports on sea ​​route Silk Roads such as Madras in India, Siraf in Iran, Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman and Zanzibar. In order to impress the sailors who arrived at the port, Erythrina or Coral trees were planted in Quanzhou harbor, which bloomed with red, conspicuous flowers. Thus, the Arabic nickname for the city of Zayton comes from the Chinese name for the plant, Zitong (刺桐).

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A number of notable medieval explorers such as Marco Polo, Odorico Pordenone, and Ibn Battuta visited Quanzhou and described the port as one of the largest harbors in the world: " seaport with ships of all sizes from all corners of the world that moored to the landing stage and set sail again, dynamic markets in which traders from different regions exchanged goods." Marco Polo's mission appears to have been to escort a Mongol princess to her marriage ceremony from Quanzhou to Persia ( modern state Iran).

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Several historical sites along the Maritime Silk Road in Quanzhou testify to the glorious history of the city. Found shipwrecks in Quanzhou Bay (Houzhu Harbor), among which was also sailing ship with a wooden hull, are proof of the dynamic activity and prosperity of the port. It is assumed that the three-masted commercial ship mentioned above was built in the 13th century in Quanzhou, and at the time of the crash, the ship was returning from South-East Asia filled with spices medicines and other goods. During the Song period, along with the fact that Quanzhou was major center trade and exchanges on the Maritime Silk Road, the city occupied a leading position in shipbuilding and the development of navigation technologies.

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Quanzhou gathered seafarers, merchants and explorers from different corners light, thanks to their presence in the city there was a peaceful coexistence of various ethnic and religious groups, including Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, Nestorians, Manicheans, Jews, Catholics and Muslims. This is evidenced by the many historical religious sites and monuments in Quanzhou. The Kaiyuan Twin Tower Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple complex in China, and the statue of Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism, is one of the largest Chinese statues of its kind. The ancient Chinese Qingjing Mosque is a witness to Quanzhou's long interaction with the Arab Islamic world. The Manichaean temple of Kan An (meaning thatched hut) houses the only statue of the Manichaean prophet Mani.

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Part 1.
Chapter catholic church The Pope of Rome also bears the title "Pontifex Maximus", which means "the great builder of bridges" and indicates his role as an intermediary between Heaven and Earth, the time of his reign is called "pontificate".
This title appeared in ancient Rome, when the high priest simultaneously served in the temple and oversaw the bridges.
That is, in ancient times they looked at bridges as a sacred symbol, the road to God.
Over time, bridges have become not only a demonstration of the greatness of engineering, but also one of the most beautiful creations of man.
1 Devil's Bridge in the Rhodope Mountains, Kardzhali region in southern Bulgaria

Bridges are the embodiment of human engineering genius.
2

Ancient and mysterious bridges look so mysterious that they seem to lead to another world.
3 Taiwan, moon bridge in Ta Hu park, Taipei city

I look at the pictures of ancient bridges, Time disappears.
The departed Pracivilization comes in its splendor.
Why is everything related to that departed Pracivilization so worried?
Considering bridges, aqueducts, viaducts, arches, the answer was found.
I saw Another Time.
I saw that it was flowing mountain river, came People full of love for Nature, dignity, respect for all things. The Chief Magus or Magi looked with thin eyesight and saw the Future Bridge in the yet unmanifested world.
He explained to his relatives what he saw. And praying to their gods, nature, asking permission, they made a bridge. And these bridges are still magnificent, they still carry the harmony of those Human Creators of the bygone Pracivilization.
4

In this post I want to show the incomprehensible beauty of the ancient Bridges.
The bridge is called Devil's Bridge or Die Rakotzbrücke. Built in 1860, along with other stone structures of the Kromlauer park in Germany. The bridge and its reflection form a circle with almost no breaks, regardless of the point of observation.
For more than a century and a half, this place has amazed all visitors with its accuracy, picturesqueness, and even mysticism. Next 6 photos are Rakotzbrücke
5 China, Huangshan Mountain Bridge, Anhui Province


6 This is the Rakotzbrücke Bridge


7 Another view of the Rakotzbrücke


8 The composition of the Rakotzbrücke bridge is supplemented with concrete
pillars like the facing of Devil's Rock in America


9


10


11

12
Portugal, arch bridge to the castle on the island, Berlenga, Peniche


13
monumental bridge


14
Graceful bridge, the road to God


15 St. Petersburg, Tsarskoye Selo, Catherine Palace. There is a magnificent "Marble bridge" in the park. Now under restoration.


16

17 Roman Bridge Cangas de Onis, Spain


18
Ancient bridge, Portugal


19


20


21


22
Ponte della Maddalena, Borgo a Mozzano, Italy


23
Bridge, Rakotzbrüze, Germany


24 Hermitage Bridge, Scotland


25


26
Ancient bridge, Armenia


27 Mizarela Bridge, Geres, Portugal


28

29 Reconstruction visible from above


30


31 One of the most beautiful


32
USA, Mount Rainier


33
China, ancient bridges of the Immortals


34


35
Türkiye Kemer


Middle Ages, Sandro Botticelli, the bridge is already there
36

37
Francesco Hardi, three-arch bridge


38
Modern bridge, no beauty, no harmony


39


41 France, Pont du Guar aqueduct


42


43


Scotland, the landscape is ennobled, the walls of the canyon are processed
44


45 Scotland, Glenfinnan Viaduct, just a miracle


46


47

The invaders of the Earth are very afraid that we will not find out the truth about their
very recent history. Very afraid - this is very mildly said.
To hide this stunning truth, they developed and imposed
humanity - outside the national and religious framework - the so-called
scientific worldview, in which there is no truth, is mixed with a huge
the number of lies and insidious logical traps; supported by all might information support enslavers.
Our recent history is an excellent illustration of the level at which
there was a human civilization before infection; what global
cataclysms and cruelest ways, this incredible grandeur and splendor
was destroyed; and in what vile ways we are kept in the dark
regarding this information.

On March 29, 1998, the Vasco da Gama bridge over the Tagus River was opened in Portugal. This bridge named after Portuguese navigator, became the longest in Europe, stretching for 17.2 km. He has not lost his title to this day.



Milvian Bridge (Ponte Milvio) - a bridge over the Tiber River connecting Rome and Rimini. The mention of a wooden bridge at this place dates back to 207 BC. e., the stone one was built a century later. Since its foundation, the bridge has become an important military point. Roman legionnaires trained there, and generals gathered troops for the defense of the city or aggressive campaigns. Those who intended to conquer Rome camped near the bridge. Gaius Julius Caesar, who crossed the Rubicon, and Charlemagne, who went to Rome to revive the empire, once crossed the Milvian Bridge. For a long time the bridge was part of transport interchanges Italy, but in 1956 it was declared a monument of antiquity. Now it is open only for pedestrians.




Ponte Vecchio (it. - “old bridge”) is a bridge over the Arno River and one of the symbols of Florence. On both sides of the bridge are crowded with houses in which shops have settled. Trade in this place for several centuries. Initially, there were shops with meat and leather goods. But because of the smell and the abundance of garbage, they were soon replaced by jewelers' shops. The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in the city. The first bridge on this site was built in the ancient Roman era. Modern look he accepted in 1345. It is also the only bridge in Florence that remained intact during World War II.




Chapel Bridge in Swiss city Lucerne is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. It was built in 1365 as a defensive corridor connecting fortifications on different banks of the Reuss River. Near the bridge is the octagonal tower Wasserturm, which served watchtower, a dungeon and a torture chamber. Under the roof of the bridge, one could initially see 111 triangular paintings reflecting the most important events in the history of Switzerland. Now there are fewer paintings, and these are mostly restored images: 78 originals were destroyed by a fire in 1993.




Charles Bridge is a bridge across the Vltava River in Prague, opened in 1380 and called Prague for five centuries. According to legend, the first stone of the bridge was laid by Charles IV himself on July 9, 1357 at 5:31 am. Astrologers advised him to choose the time and date: the combination year-day-month-hours-minutes is a palindrome of 1357-9-7531. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that a bridge laid at such a moment would last for centuries. Indeed, the Charles Bridge survived all the floods and cataclysms. Another legend says that it was from this bridge that St. John of Nepomuk was thrown in a sack, who did not want to give the king the secret of the queen's confession. At the same time, eyewitnesses claimed that they saw a glow in the form of five stars above the place where the body was immersed in water. Since then, the saint has been depicted with five stars above his head. There is also a belief that if you touch one of the 30 sculptures of the bridge and make a wish, it will come true.




The Blue Bridge across the Moika River in St. Petersburg connects St. Isaac's Square with Antonenko Lane and Voznesensky Prospekt. Due to the record width (97.3 m), this bridge is often perceived as part of the square, and in the literature you can even come across the term “bridge-square”. The name "Blue" comes from the color of the wooden drawbridge built in 1737 on this site. A little later, stone supports were added to it, in 1818 they made it of cast iron, and in 1842 it was completely rebuilt. In this form, the bridge has survived to this day.




Everyone who studies English language and reached the topic “Sights of London”, they will definitely see a photograph of the Tower Bridge in the textbook. This drawbridge over the Thames, built in 1894. Its two thousand-ton wings can rise almost to a vertical position - at an angle of 83º. Above the wings at a height of 44 m there are galleries, which can be reached by stairs inside the towers. These galleries were created so that pedestrians could cross the river even while the bridge was being raised. However, very soon pickpockets began to actively hunt there. For this reason, the galleries were closed in 1910. They reopened only in 1982, already as a museum and an observation deck.




The city of Leeuwarden in the Netherlands due to the busy river and traffic a bridge was needed that could quickly rise and fall without creating congestion. So in 2000, the original Slauerhof drawbridge made of iron and steel appeared over the Harlinger River. It is named after the 20th-century Dutch poet and novelist Jan Slauerhof, who was born in Leeuwarden. The square platform of the bridge, measuring only 15×15 m, is raised and lowered 10 times a day using hydraulic forces. The upper part of the platform is part of the motorway, while the lower part is painted yellow and blue, the colors of Leeuwarden.




Since 2001, the creators of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in the UK have received a total of more than 30 awards for architectural and engineering solutions, five of which are for the night illumination design solution. The bridge is also depicted on the 1 pound coin. The structure consists of two arches connected by cables. One of them is a footpath under which small boats can pass. The second at the peak reaches a height of about 50 m. To let a large vessel through, the arches turn 40º around their axis, with one (pedestrian) rising and the other falling. This turn is called "winking eye". It repeats about 2000 times a year.




The Magdeburg "water crossing" in Germany connects the Elbe-Havel Canal with the Central German Canal, passing over the Elbe River at a height of 90 meters. Prior to the opening of this water bridge in 2003, ships had to make a 12 km detour through other locks. The main part of the bridge is a metal navigable chute lined with reinforced concrete, 32 m wide and 4 m deep. This chute is combined with a 10 m wide pedestrian walkway. The aqueduct stretches for 918 m and is the longest not only in Europe, but also in the world.




Built in 2004 in France, the Millau Viaduct (Bridge Above the Clouds) was considered the highest bridge in the world for almost a decade. It is made in the form of a semicircle with a radius of 20 km and a length of 2560 m. The bridge consists of eight spans and seven concrete pillars. Its roadbed is raised 270 m above the ground, and one of the towers reaches a peak of 341 m. This is higher eiffel tower and just 40 meters below the Empire State Building in New York. Displaced the open record holder in 2012 suspension bridge Aizhai Extra Large 355m high in China.




The Trift Bridge was built by an energy company to carry out installation work in the vicinity of the Trift Glacier in 2004. Five years later, it was reconstructed, strengthening the steel rope system, and opened to the public. The bridge is located on Mount Titlis at an altitude of 3041 m, it is about 100 m long and only 1 m wide. When walking, the bridge sways a little, which adds thrill. The designers claim that it is impossible to fall from the Trift Bridge, since it is able to withstand wind gusts up to 200 km/h and a mass of snow up to 500 tons. But, just in case, they open it only in calm weather.




The Rolling Bridge in London is a footbridge 12 meters long. True, six days a week it is an octagon of wood and steel. Every Friday since 2005, the bridge has been turned around by hydraulic pistons built into the railing. The mechanism resembles a caterpillar, which, according to architect Thomas Heatherwick, inspired him to create the bridge.




This honorary title is picturesque bridge in the north-west of Moscow, opened in 2007. Unlike most bridges, it crosses the Moscow River at an acute angle, that is, it is located mainly along the river. The design of the bridge has no analogues: the road part is suspended on shrouds (steel cables) to a huge red arch. Its height is 105 m. A glazed observation deck in the form of an ellipsoid hangs on top of the arch. Initially, it was planned to open a restaurant in this ellipsoid, but the idea was abandoned. To glass observation deck were not covered with snow and ice, they were equipped with an electric heating system. You can get to the top by a special lift from the gallery at the base of the bridge.




The Moses Bridge, opened in 2011 in the Dutch city of Halsteren, is a trench bridge whose pedestrian deck is below the water level. The idea of ​​the bridge echoes the biblical story about the prophet Moses, before whom the waters of the Red Sea parted. This bridge was built during the reconstruction of Fort Roovere - part of the Brabant line of buildings of the 17th century, which protected Holland from invasion from France and Spain. At that time, some cities and villages were connected and fortified with ramparts, the land behind which was flooded. In the 19th century, these structures became memorial zones - organically inscribed in the local landscape. tourist routes retaining their original purpose. The bridge is made of specially treated and water-resistant wood. Moreover, on both sides of the moat there are additional shafts that divert excess water. Therefore, the water level in the ditch remains unchanged, and the bridge itself does not get wet during rain.




One of the sights of the Dutch city of Eindhoven is the Hovenring round revolving bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. It was opened in 2012 to cope with the increased traffic at the intersection, and so far has no analogues in the world. The diameter of the bridge is 72 meters. In its middle is a 70-meter support, from which 24 steel ropes extend to the bridge. The engine is located there. Since Eindhoven is positioned as a city of light, the designers also took care of lighting the bridge: LEDs are built into the cycle ring, railings, ropes and central support.

Bridges are unusually attractive creations. Each bridge has its own character and history. Some, of course, are not so large-scale and mean something only for the surrounding residents. But there are bridges that have firmly gone down in history. We can talk about bridges endlessly, therefore we can only show some of the endless variety of these almost living creatures.

We start our journey in France. The need to build a bridge in Paris became clear in the middle of the 16th century. The structures that existed at that time, already under the influence of active traffic, became decrepit and required replacement. At the same time, it was customary to set up craft workshops and trading shops on the bridges, there were money changers, jewelers, and furniture was forged (the best examples of which can still be found today). The New Bridge was first talked about in 1556, construction began in 1578, and completed in 1607. The main difference was that it was the first bridge with sidewalks and there were no shops or houses on it. By the way, it was this idea of ​​the builder kings that caused the greatest resistance among the merchants.

2. Le Viaduc de Millau

The Tarn River cuts through France from east to west. With the growth of the population, the flow in the south-north direction also increased every year, especially in summer along the highway leading to Spain and Southern France. The only crossing over the Tarno was a bridge in the suburb of Millau. Huge congestion, exhaust pipe emissions - no one got pleasure. And after 10 years of research, a place was chosen for construction and a cable-stayed bridge over the Tarn was armed. This object broke several records at once. First of all, it is the owner of the highest roadway (270 m), the viaduct has the highest supports (244.91 m) and supports with pylons (343 m). in addition, this bridge is simply beautiful, its railings are made of translucent materials, which makes it possible for passers-by to enjoy the picturesque views of the Tarn valley.

Prague's Charles Bridge connected Mala Strana and Star Mesto at the beginning of the 15th century. Construction began in 1357 by order of the Emperor Charles IV. On this unique bridge there are 30 sculptures. There is an interesting belief that Saint John of Nepomut was thrown from the Charles Bridge. There is now a cross and a couple of copper nails in the exact spot. According to legend, if they touch the cross, then any wish made will come true.

This bridge is difficult to confuse with any other. Tower Bridge was built in just eight years (1886-1894). The carriageway of the bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass. But built on top suspension bridge at a height of 40 m for pedestrians. True, pickpockets and prostitutes quickly settled in these galleries, and after 25 years, the authorities closed access to this part of the bridge. Now (since 1982) the galleries are again available to the public as a museum and observation deck. Another interesting point is related to the support towers. In fact, these are metal structures. But outside, to protect against corrosion, they were lined with stone, as a result, the bridge took on such a solid Gothic look.

5. Szechenyi lanchid

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge to connect Pest and Buda. At the time of completion of construction in 1849, it was considered one of the wonders of the world - the bridge had the longest span of 202 m. During the war, the bridge was completely destroyed, and in 1949 it was recreated again. There are many legends and anecdotes associated with the bridge. Stone lions at the entrance to the bridge are especially loved by the inhabitants of Budapest. It was said that they do not have tongues, although they are simply not visible from below due to the high location of the animals. They also say that lions should roar at the moment when a man passes by them, who has never cheated on his wife. What is significant - until now the lions are silent ...

6. Ponte di Rialto

We continue our journey across the bridges in Italy. Here they know how to handle their history and know what to do even with outdated buildings, as in the article. Our first stop in Venice is on the very first bridge over the Grand Canal. The first time this bridge was built of wood in 1255, but during the uprising it was burned down in 1310. The bridge was restored, but in 1444 it could not withstand the weight of the crowd and collapsed, then there was a draw option, which also did not survive. And since 1591, the bridge acquired its present form in the hands of the architect Antonio de Ponte. There are 24 shops with the most expensive Venetian souvenirs on the Rialto Bridge.

7. Ponte dei Sospiri

Not less than famous bridge Sighs in Venice is a covered structure with a roof and walls. At the beginning of the 17th century, he connected the prison and the Doge's Palace with an interrogation room and a courtroom. The name was formed from the suffering of prisoners who could see hometown V last time from the windows of the bridge on the way to the prison. Now it is believed that if lovers swim under the bridge at sunset and kiss, then their passion will be eternal.

8. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio in Florence has ancient predecessors. At this place, the first bridge was erected in the times ancient rome, then there were 2 more bridges until this building was built in 1345. To this day, the bridge retains its original shape. By the way, once there were shops and houses of butchers on the bridge, which were replaced by jewelers in the 16th century. Another interesting detail is the corridor above the buildings, which allowed the Grand Dukes to freely pass between their residences: the Pitti Palace and the Vecchio Palace.

In just 9 years, Suleiman the Magnificent built this bridge in Mostar across the Neretva. 420 years have passed since the Ottoman occupation - and the bridge was still standing. It was destroyed only in 1993, during the Yugoslav conflict. In 2004, the bridge was restored and became a symbol of reconciliation.

10 Chapel Bridge

In Swiss Lucerne calling card is the Chapel Bridge. Back in 1365, this wooden bridge was erected, which played a significant role in the city's defensive system. The chapel was made in the form of a covered gallery, under the roof of which there were 111 triangular paintings. After the fire in 1993, most of them died, but then they were restored according to the available inventories and photos.

11. Angel Saligned Bridge

Cernavoda-Fetesti was built in Romania in 1895. At the time of construction, he held a record length - 4037 m. The bridge rises 30 m above the waters of the Danube and makes it possible for any ships to pass under it. In 1987, a nearby new bridge, and the old one was completely given over to tourists.

The Erasmus Bridge was built in 1996 in Rotterdam. The design is modern and very unusual. Cable-stayed bridge has a length of 808 m, at one end there is a draw span (the heaviest and largest in Western Europe). For its characteristic silhouette, the bridge was named Lebed.
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