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Bridges have attracted people’s attention since ancient times. In myths and poetry, these architectural monuments were considered a symbol of the connection between the points of sacred space. In ancient times, the construction of bridges was always accompanied by various rituals, because they opened the way to a new unknown space, symbolized the transition from the old life to another better one.
In connection with the above, bridges were often mentioned in Russian folklore and the works of foreign authors. They were built from different materials, differed in size.
In the modern world, interest in bridges has not cooled down, humanity continues to build unique architectural monuments that amaze the attention.
10 Bridge of the Immortals over the abyss, Huangshan, Anhui, China
The bridge is located in China at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level, it can be considered a cultural heritage of all mankind. This architectural monument amazes travelers with its uniqueness and majesty.
The Bridge of the Immortals was built in 1987, and the mountains in which it is located are attributed by scientists to the Mesozoic era.
The construction of this colorful building is a secret for everyone. The path to it is not easy. To get to the bridge, a person needs to climb the mountains along the road with steps hanging in the air.
Although the path to the structure is difficult, getting to it is worth it, as it offers stunning views of the area that cannot be forgotten.
9. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
The bridge (viaduct) is located in the Glenfinnan Valley between two mountains, near Loch Shiel. The length of the structure is 380 meters, and the width is 5,5 meters. The viaduct consists of 21 arched spans. The building was built over a hundred years ago.
Glenfinnan has a stunning appearance, in addition, it is located in quite picturesque places. Because of this, tourists often visit it, take photos as a keepsake. The viaduct was even filmed in several films; it was the filming of films from the Harry Potter series that brought him real popularity. Since, according to the plot of the film, the road to Hogwarts lay precisely through this bridge.
8. Rakotzbrücke, Germany
Rakotzbrücke is one of the mysterious architectural monuments of Germany, it is located in the Saxon city of Gablenz, located in the Kromlau park. The building was made of gray cold basalt in the 19th century.
The appearance of the bridge is very original. Above the clean surface of the lake is a hemispherical structure. Reflected in the water, the arc creates the appearance of a perfect circle; it’s not for nothing that the legend goes that a young architect, in order to create such an amazing creation, entered into a deal with the devil, who asked for the master’s soul as payment for help.
There is a belief that a person who managed to swim under the bridge on a full moon in a boat without touching the water and without looking at his reflection will discover his talent.
7. Root bridge, India
In the tropical forests of India, nature itself is engaged in the construction of bridges. The bridge is an interweaving of the roots of a rubber tree and ficus, it does not need to be repaired, and over time it only becomes stronger and more reliable.
Despite the fact that it seems that nature does all the work of making the bridge, a person still takes a small part in it, namely, directs the roots of trees from different banks of water bodies to each other. Suspension bridges in India take approximately 10-15 years to build.
6. Carrbridge, Scotland
Carrbridge Bridge was built in Scotland in 1717. It was built for crossing a small river of pack horses carrying various cargoes.
The structure was badly damaged in the 19th century as a result of a popular uprising. To date, the bridge has not been restored.
5. Luxembourg Switzerland
Luxembourg Switzerland is a small area in the northeastern part of the state, it got its name due to the similarity of the landscape with the Swiss mountains. On the territory there are rocks formed from sandstone during the ice age. The picturesqueness of the area gives a large amount of greenery, a variety of shrubs and trees. Walking here, you can feel the unity with nature, enjoy the “music” of the rivers, see small but beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy the views that are pleasing to the eye by climbing a small bridge.
4. Gaztelugatxe, Spain
Gastelugache is a small island formed by a volcanic eruption. The waters of the ocean turn blue around the rocky cone-shaped island, thousands of tourists annually come to this place to admire the unique creation of nature and visit the small chapel on the top of Gastelugache.
You can get to the chapel from the mainland by walking along a narrow arched bridge that rises above the waves of the Atlantic.
3. Ronda, Malaga, Spain
The Spanish city of Ronda has long been considered the birthplace of bullfighting. He is amazing in that he looks like he is floating over an abyss. An amazing bridge (Puente Nuevo) was built in the southern part of Ronda. It is located in a narrow and deep gorge, outwardly similar to a fortress. This architectural monument was built in 1755-1793. Its creator is Jose Martin de Aldehuela, unfortunately, the architect died after falling off the bridge while checking the quality of the work being done. For some time, a prison was located in the lower part of the structure.
2. Moon Bridge – Taipei, Taiwan
The Moon Bridge in Taiwan is one of the finest traditional Chinese structures, especially in the wee hours. The bridge connects the two banks of the picturesque lake. According to Japanese and Chinese traditions, the bridge is built in the shape of a crescent.
During the construction of the Lunar Bridge, white materials were used, it was decorated with figures of birds. The name of the architectural structure was due to the fact that its reflection in the water after sunset forms an ideal sphere.
1. Gapstow Bridge, New York, USA
The Gapstow Bridge is located in New York’s Central Park, in the northeast part of the pond. Its construction began in 1874, it was made of wood and had iron railings. It soon became clear that the structure was unreliable, and it was decided to remake it using slate for construction. The reconstruction of the architectural monument took place in 1896. Today, the Gapstow Bridge attracts the attention of a person at any time of the year, in winter it is covered with snow, in autumn – with fallen leaves, and in summer – entwined with greenery.