Bridge building techniques changed a lot over the last few decades. During early days bridges were built of wooden planks, stones and ropes. Soon, these things were replaced by stronger stuff like iron. If we take a look at history, every time bridges had been built by engineers and burned to ashes by warriors. Great kings and commoners also crossed by these bridges. Different kinds of bridges have been built from time to time. Some of them were stylish and some were simple. But all used for a same purpose, that is to travel. Here are the 10 most beautiful bridges in the world.
10. Khaju Bridge
Khaju Bridge was built by Shah Abbas II in the 17 century. It is located in Isfahan, Iran. This bridge also serves as a dam, with its gates under the archways. The bridge consists of two stories of arcades. There are also two large pavilions at the centre of the bridge. These pavilions are named as Prince Parlours.
9. Pont du Gard
Port du Gard is a masterpiece of roman engineers. It is situated in southern France. Despite of the pedestrian footbridge on it, it was not built for the transportation of the people. This bridge was a part of adequate system. This complex system carried water over 30 miles to a Roman’s ancient city named Nemauses. This bridge was built by Caesar Augustus’s son-in-law Marcus Agrippa. Some stones of the bridge weigh over 6 tons. The bridge’s wedge-shaped stones are known as Voussoirs.
8. Bridge of Sighs
This bridge is a beautiful architecture of Venice, Italy. In the 19th century, the Venetian limestone bridge was renamed as the bridge of Sighs. It is located across the Rio di Palazzo which is connected to the Doge’s prison. It was renamed for the prisoners so that they can see this beautiful view before their torture, imprisonment or execution. Also, the bridge was built by Antonio Contino in 1600 after the days of investigations. It is also believed that if the lovers kissed underneath the bridge at the sunset, there love would last forever.
7. Iron Bridge
The Iron Bridge is located over the Severn River in Shropshire, England. This is not a large bridge but still it has something unique in it. Iron Bridge was the first one which was made completely of pure iron. Architect Thomas Pritchard gave the idea of this bridge but he died before construction of the bridge. After the death of Thomas, a local master ironman took over the task of building the bridge. His name was Abraham Derby III. About 400 ton of cast iron was used in the process. Also, the bridge has 5 arch ribs.
6. Covered Bridges
Pisgah covered Bridge is located in North Carolina. In 2003, it was washed away completely by a flood. The bridge was again built with 90%of the original wood. Covered bridges are the bridges that are closed from the sides and have roof. But why these kinds of bridges were made of wood? Well, in 19th century, timber was cheap and in abundance, therefore it is natural that covered bridges were made of wood.
5. Ponte Vecchio
Ponte vecchio is located over the Arno Bridge in Italy. It is not only a Bridge , it is also a marketplace, a street and a landmark for the people of Florence. This medieval bridge was built by Taddeo Gaddi in 1345. In 1565, architect Giorgio Vasari constructed a roofed passageway. Soon this place became a market.
4. The Wind and Rain Bridge
The wind and rain bridges were built by Dong people in China. They built these bridges because they live in lowlands and valleys. These bridges are called wind and rain bridges because they not only allow people to pass but also protect them from these elements. Dong people are excellent in bridge building. They dovetail all of the wood instead of using rivets or nails.
3. Brooklyn Bridge
Engineer John Roebling started to design the longest bridge of that time in 1855. The bridge was Brooklyn Bridge. It is located in New York. Today Brooklyn is the most heavily trafficked bridge. It took 14 years for Roebling to convince the city for this bridge. And after the construction Roebling was honoured by a first ride on his bridge.
2. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is situated in London, England. In 1886, the construction of this tower started. The task was led by engineer Sir John Barry and Architect Sir Horace Jones. The city decided to build this bridge due to the extreme traffic jams. But now the bridge has become a recognizable landmark of London.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco. The colour of the bridge is not red in reality instead it is orange vermillion also called the international orange. In 1916, a veteran bridge builder Joseph Strauss came with the idea of this bridge. The construction took 4 years with a cost of $27 million. Strauss got $1 million in prize and a life time bridge pass.
