10 most famous bridges in the world

The bridge is an amazing invention. Man has always wanted to explore unknown territories, and even rivers have not become a hindrance to him – he has created bridges.

Once it was a primitive structure that helped to overcome only narrow rivers. However, with the development of science, the created mechanisms became more complicated. The bridge has become a real work of art and a miracle of engineering, allowing you to overcome ever greater distances.

10 Vasco da Gama Bridge (Lisbon, Portugal)

This structure is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe, with a length of more than 17 thousand meters. The name comes from the fact that the “launch” of the bridge coincided with the 500th anniversary of the opening of the European sea route to India.

The Vasco da Gama bridge is well thought out. When creating it, the engineers took into account the possibility of bad weather, earthquakes up to 9 points, the curvature of the bottom of the Tagus River and even the spherical shape of the Earth. In addition, the construction does not violate the ecological situation in the city.

During the construction of the bridge on the coasts, the purity of the environment was preserved. Even the light from the lighting fixtures is tuned so as not to fall on the water, thereby not disturbing the existing ecosystem.

9. Old Bridge (Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

In the 15th century, the town of Mostar of the Ottoman Empire was divided into 2 banks, connected only by a suspended bridge swinging in the wind. During the development of the city, it was necessary to establish a strong connection between the two towers, separated by the Neretva River. Then the inhabitants asked for help from the Sultan.

It took 9 years to build the Old Bridge. The architect designed the structure so thin that people were afraid to even climb it. According to legend, the developer of the project sat under the bridge for three days and three nights to prove its reliability.

In 1993, during the war, the Old Bridge was destroyed by Croatian militants. This event shocked the entire world community. In 2004, the structure was rebuilt. To do this, it was necessary to fold the fragments of the former to each other, and grind the blocks manually, as was done before.

8. Harbor Bridge (Sydney, Australia)

The Harbor Bridge, or, as the Australians call it, the “hanger”, is one of the longest bridges in the world – 1149 m. It is made of steel, there are six million rivets in it alone. The Harbor Bridge has cost Australia dearly. Drivers pay $2 to drive on it. This money goes to the maintenance of the bridge.

On New Year’s Eve it is used for spectacular pyrotechnic shows. But the object is interesting not only in winter – the rest of the time there are excursions for tourists at the building. From the age of 10, people can climb the arch and take a look at Sydney from above. It is completely safe and takes place under the supervision of an instructor.

7. Rialto Bridge (Venice, Italy)

One of the symbols of Venice. In its place, since the 12th century, wooden passages have been built, but destroyed due to the effects of water or fires. In the 15th century, it was decided to “bring to mind” the next crossing. Michelangelo himself offered his sketches for the new bridge, but they were not accepted.

By the way, throughout the history of the Rialto Bridge, it was constantly traded. And today there are more than 20 souvenir shops. Interestingly, even Shakespeare mentioned Rialto in The Merchant of Venice.

6. Chain Bridge (Budapest, Hungary)

This bridge over the Danube River connected two cities – Buda and Pest. At one time, its design was considered a miracle of engineering, and the span was one of the longest in the world. The architect was the Englishman William Clark.

Interestingly, the bridge is decorated with sculptures depicting lions. Exactly the same sculptures, but larger, then put in the UK.

5. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)

This is the hallmark of the Czech Republic, filled with many legends and traditions, one of the most beautiful stone bridges in the world.

Once it was considered one of the longest – 515 meters. The discovery took place under Charles IV on July 9, 1357 at 5:31. This date was chosen by astronomers as a good sign.

Charles Bridge is surrounded by Gothic towers and is decorated with 30 statues of saints. The Old Town Tower, to which the bridge leads, is one of the most famous Gothic buildings.

4. Brooklyn Bridge (New York, USA)

One of New York’s most famous landmarks and the oldest suspension bridge in the United States. Its length is 1828 m. At that time, the Brooklyn Bridge project proposed by John Roebling was grandiose.

The construction was accompanied by casualties. John was the first to die. The whole family continued the business. The construction took 13 years and 15 million dollars. The names of members of the Roebling family were immortalized on the structure for their unwavering faith and perseverance.

3. Tower Bridge (London, UK)

It is a recognizable symbol of Great Britain. He is always remembered when it comes to London. Includes two gothic style towers and a gallery for spectators connecting them. The bridge has an interesting design – it is both hanging and drawbridge. Moreover, when breeding, the gallery with tourists remains in place, and the audience continues to admire the surroundings.

2. Ponte Vecchio (Florence, Italy)

Translated from Italian, Ponte Vecchio means “Old Bridge”. It is really old: it was erected in the middle of the 14th century. However, Vecchiu still “lives”: it is still actively traded.

Until the 16th century, meat was traded on Ponte Vecchio, so there was always a lot of traffic here. It is said that the king even eavesdropped on people’s conversations as he walked through the upper corridor of the structure. Today, the bridge is called “golden” because the butcher shops have been replaced by jewelry.

1. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA)

This suspension bridge is the symbol of San Francisco. Its length is 1970 meters. During the Gold Rush, overcrowded ferries sailed to San Francisco, and then the need arose to build a normal crossing.

Construction was difficult: earthquakes occurred regularly, fogs periodically stood, fast ocean currents and gusts of wind interfered with work.

The opening of the Golden Gate was solemn: the movement of cars was stopped, instead 300 pedestrians passed over the bridge.

Despite the adverse climatic and seismic conditions, the building withstood everything and is still standing: in 1989, the Golden Gate even survived an earthquake of 7,1 points.