Top 10 spectacular bridges in Europe
They all have the same purpose to help us cross a river or gorge but this does not mean they can not be beautiful. These are the most beautiful bridges in Europe.
Millau bridge, France
This marvel of modern engineering is the most spectacular bridge in Europe today. The bridge makes the journey to the south of France considerably shorter. It is also the highest vehicular bridge in the world and is only 125 feet shorter than the Empire State Building. This has unintentionally made the bridge a popular attraction for base jumpers. It has 2 other records as well; the highest pylon in the world and the highest road deck on a bridge. The best thing of this bridge though is that you can drive over it and marvel at its beauty at the same time.
The Tower Bridge, London, Great Britain
One of the most iconic bridges in Europe, and for that matter in the world, is the Tower Bridge in London. This bridge spans the river Thames and is called the Tower Bridge because of its close proximity to the Tower of London. The construction of the bridge took 8 years and commenced in 1886. The bridge is a true symbol for London; together with Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. It is truly a sight not to be missed when you visit the capital of Great Britain.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
This rather spectacular bridge in the medieval town of Florence has been around for a long time and its origin is rather funny. The story goes that the then-ruler of the town was so disgusted with the smell of all the butchers and commoners on the bridge that he had a special hallway constructed on top of the bridge. This hallway helped him avoid the common people of Florence while traveling from his palace to the town hall. The butcher shops have long been replaced by jeweler shops, but the bridge remains one of the main attractions of Florence. Beware of the pickpockets though.
Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The Erasmus bridge in Rotterdam caused much controversy when it was just finished as the multimillion euro project ran over budget and it was said that the bridge was faulty. But through some small adjustments this truly beautiful bridge was made safe. The inhabitants of Rotterdam refer to it as the Swan and if you have a look at it yourself you can easily see why. The bridge was opened to the public in 1996 and spans the river Maas. If you are in Rotterdam it’s hard to miss this bridge, and otherwise definitely worth the trouble of locating it.
Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina
This bridge in the city of Mostar is a symbol of the war-torn country of Bosnia Herzegovina. It was completely shot to pieces during the civil war in the early 1990’s but was completely rebuilt when the war was over. The length of the bridge is 98 feet and it connects the city Mostar, which is split in half by the river Neretva. The bridge was commissioned in 1557 by the then-ruler of the area; Suleiman The Magnificent. When you are in the area around Mostar you should make the effort to go and see this bridge.
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The Charles Bridge is a beautifully decorated bridge in the capital of the Czech Republic; Prague. It is a pedestrianized bridge that connects the old town of Prague and Malna Strana. This bridge is called Charles Bridge because it was commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in 1357. The decorations on the bridge are 60 statues which are located on both sides of the bridge. It is also somewhat of a tourist market during the summer with people selling all sorts of items. When you are in Prague, you are bound to cross it during your stay.
Ponte Di Rialto, Venice Italy
The Grand Canal in Venice is crossed by a total of 4 bridges. The Ponte Di Rialto is the oldest of the four and also one of the most famous. The Ponte Di Rialto has had many forms and shapes but the bridge that can now be seen has been there since 1591. Three bridges have gone before it and all three collapsed. The current bridge is made out of stone and has survived until this day. The walkway that flanks the bridge is bordered by a row of shops. The Ponte Di Rialto is the most photographed bridge in Venice.
The Pont Neuf, Paris, France
The Pont Neuf in Paris is the oldest bridge crossing the river Seine in Paris and connects the Ile de Cite to the rest of the city. This bridge was built to take some of the load from the Pont de Notre Dame as this was the only way to reach the city from Ile de Cite. It was finished in 1550 and for a long time, it was the widest bridge in Paris.
Ponte Dei Sospiri, Venice, Italy
This is the second bridge on this list which is located in the romantic town of Venice. This bridge has a somewhat more sinister history as it connects the former prison with the interrogation rooms in the Dodge’s palace. It spans the canal of Rio di Palazzo and was commissioned in 1600, Its construction was finished 3 years later. Legend has it that when lovers kiss beneath the bridge during sunset they would find eternal love. So its history is a bit sinister, but its legend is just as romantic as the city of Venice itself.
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland
The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne Switzerland is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and was constructed in 1333. The bridge was constructed to span the Reuss river and is one of Switzerland’s main tourist attractions. The bridge was built to help protect the city of Lucerne from invaders. The inside of the bridge is adorned with paintings that depict stories from the history of Lucerne. The bridge was partly destroyed by a fire in 1993 but was subsequently restored. The bridge is one of the most photographed monuments within Switzerland and is a characteristic landmark of Lucerne.
