The world’s most famous bridges may not be the longest bridges, tallest bridges or highest bridges, but they are the most recognizable bridges in the world by far.You can now take a tour through the ancient spans, iconic structures and bridges with unique and interesting features.
Here are the top 10 most famous bridges:
1. Tower Bridge,London, England.
Tower Bridge (built 1886–1894) is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London which crosses the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name, and has become an iconic symbol of London.
The bridge consists of two towers tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways, designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. The bridge's present colour scheme dates from 1977, when it was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee. Originally it was painted a mid greenish-blue colour.
Source and for other details:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Bridge
2. Golden Gate Bridge,San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to Marin County. It is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California, and the United States. It has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Frommers travel guide considers the Golden Gate Bridge "possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world".
Source and for other details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge
The Frommers travel guide considers the Golden Gate Bridge "possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world".
Source and for other details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge
3. Brooklyn Bridge,New York City
The Brooklyn Bridge looms majestically over New York City's East River, linking the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Since 1883, its granite towers and steel cables have offered a safe and scenic passage to millions of commuters and tourists, trains and bicycles, pushcarts and cars. The bridge's construction took 14 years, involved 600 workers and cost $15 million (more than $320 million in today's dollars). At least two dozen people died in the process, including its original designer. Now more than 125 years old, this iconic feature of the New York City skyline still carries roughly 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians every day.
Source and for other details:http://www.history.com/topics/brooklyn-bridge
4.The Wind & Rain bridge,China
Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, also called Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge, spans the Linxi River of Sanjiang County. Built in 1916, it is 64.4 meters (73.43 yards) long, 3.4 metes (3.72 yards) wide and 10.6 meters (34.78 feet) high. Constructed with wood and stones, its surface is paved with wooden boards and both sides are inlayed with railings. On the bridge itself, there are five tower-like kiosks with 'horns' and eaves which resemble the flapping wings of birds.
| Dong Village near the bridge |
Walking out onto the bridge, you can sit on the bench and appreciate the picturesque scenery. Looking far ahead, you will be intoxicated with what you see: the Linxi River meandering from the horizon; tea trees growing on the hills; local peasants working hard in the fields; and waterwheels turning, sending water cascading down the river.
Source and for other details:
5.Ponte Vecchio,Florence,Italy
The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge spanning the river Arno in Florence. It is one of the few remaining bridges with houses built upon. The Vasari corridor that runs over the houses connects the Uffizi with the Pitti Palaceon the other side of the river.
The pedestrian bridge is often teeming with tourists and the many musicians, portraitists and other entertainers create a constantly vibrant atmosphere. The bridge is at its most beautiful at dusk, especially when seen from the Ponte Santa Trinità .
Shops on the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. It is believed that a bridge already existed here during the Roman times. Its current appearance dates back to 1345 when it was built to replace a bridge which was destroyed by a flood. Houses were built on the bridge, a common practice in large European cities during the Middle Ages.
The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence that survived the Second World War unscathed.
6. Covered Bridges ("The Kissing Bridge"),Ontario, Canada
The West Montrose covered bridge is recognized as a historic site by Ontario's Archeological & Historic Sites Board. It is Ontario's last remaining covered bridge and has a 198' span across the Grand River. Visitors come from all over the world to see and photograph this picturesque bridge.
The roof over the bridge served to protect the large timbers and trusses from the elements, and this is also the reason the bridge is still standing after more than 100 years. Uncovered wooden bridges have a life span of only 10 to 15 years because exposure to rain causes unprotected joints to rot in summer and freeze in the winter; the hot sun causes the wooden planks to dry and curl. Applying oil and tar to preserve the floor made the surface slippery when wet.
Horses fear rushing water and would often become spooked as they approached bridges. A horse will trot up to the opening of a covered bridge and clip-clop through, reassured by the side walls and the light at the end of the tunnel.
The bridge was built in 1881 and underwent major repairs in 1999. Light traffic is still crossing the bridge daily including horse and buggies.
The bridge is often referred to as "The Kissing Bridge" because it is enclosed and the soft light provides a feeling of intimacy for the romantic.
7. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Scotland
7. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Scotland
Fans of the Harry Potter films will recognize this as the railway viaduct that the Hogwarts Express chugs across. It's not the only film to feature it. It 'starred' in Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny and Ring of Bright Water too.
Built by Sir Robert McAlpine at the end of the 19th century, the viaduct is composed of 21 arches, each spanning 15 metres and has a maximum height of 30 metres offering sumptuous views down to Loch Shiel below. The railway viaduct is on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Lochaber in the Highlands and a round-trip ticket, between mid-May and the end of October, will set you back 32 pounds (around $50).
8. Si-o-se Pol, Isfahan, Iran
Si-o-se Pol, which means the Bridge of 33 Arches, has stood in Isfahan, Iran, since the 17th century. Spanning the river Zayandeh Rud, it's one of 11 bridges in Isfahan. It's one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design although Khadjou Bridge is considered to be more beautiful.
There are two rows of 33 arches and its yellow brick and limestone masonry give it that buttery softness that, when the sun hits, makes it appear to melt into the river. It's a charming bridge of alcoves, where you can sit and admire the view. Or, in the tea house, sip cups of steaming tea.
9. Teufelsbrucke, Switzerland
This is the bridge that was built by the devil. Or so it is said. The story goes that the devil built the bridge and in exchange for his engineering and construction skills, he'd receive the first soul to cross it. The canny villagers sent a goat instead of a person, and, enraged by this, the devil tried to destroy his newly constructed bridge by throwing a boulder (the Teufelsstein, the devil's stone) at it.
However, catching sight of an old woman carrying a cross, he took fright and ran away, dropping the stone as he went. Myths aside, the Teufelsbrucke spans the Reuss River high up in the Swiss mountains in the canton of Uri. It provides access to the St. Gotthard Pass. The bridge that is in use now is actually the third bridge. The first bridge (wooden and built by the devil) was built in 1230 and the second (built in the 1820s) is located close to this 'new' (1950s) concrete bridge.
10.Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France
Pont Neuf is Paris's oldest bridge - and one of its most famous - but the Pont Alexandre III is the most extravagant and highly decorated bridge on the Seine. This arch bridge (connecting the Champs-Elysees quarter with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower quarters) was built for the Universal Exposition of 1900, the great world's fair.
Russia's Tsar Nicholas II lay the first brick (it was at a time when France was courting Russia as an ally) and it was named after the Tsar's father Alexander III. This historic monument is studded with gilded-bronze winged horses, compositions in copper that represent the nymphs of the Seine (the nymphs of the Neva in Saint Petersburg are represented downstream) and ornate lamp posts (candelabras really) that are adorned with cherubs.
