The bridge is an amazing invention. Man always wanted to explore unknown territories, and even rivers did not interfere with him - he created bridges.
Once it was a primitive construction that helped to overcome only narrow rivers. However, with the development of science, the created mechanisms became more complicated. The bridge became a real work of art and a miracle of engineering, allowing you to overcome ever greater distances.
List
- 10. Vasco da Gama Bridge (Lisbon, Portugal)
- 9. The Old Bridge (Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- 8. Harbor Bridge (Sydney, Australia)
- 7. Rialto Bridge (Venice, Italy)
- 6. Chain Bridge (Budapest, Hungary)
- 5. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)
- 4. Brooklyn Bridge (New York, USA)
- 3. Tower Bridge (London, UK)
- 2. Ponte Vecchio (Florence, Italy)
- 1. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA)
10. Vasco da Gama Bridge (Lisbon, Portugal)
This building is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe, with a length of more than 17 thousand meters. The name came from the fact that the "launch" of the bridge coincided with the anniversary of the 500th anniversary of the opening of the European sea route to India.
The Vasco da Gama bridge is well thought out. Creating it, the engineers took into account the possibility of bad weather, earthquakes up to 9 points, the curvature of the Tagus river bottom and even the spherical shape of the Earth. In addition, the building does not violate the environmental situation in the city.
When constructing a bridge on the coasts, a clean environment was preserved. Even the light from the lighting fixtures is configured so as not to fall on the water, thereby not violating the existing ecosystem.
9. The Old Bridge (Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
In the 15th century, the town of Mostar of the Ottoman Empire was divided into 2 shores, connected only by a suspended bridge swaying 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 residents asked for help from the Sultan.
The construction of the Old Bridge took 9 years. 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 stack the fragments of the former to each other, and to grind the blocks manually, as was done before.
8. Harbor Bridge (Sydney, Australia)
Harbor Bridge, or, as the Australians call it, “hanger”, is one of the longest bridges in the world - 1149 m. It is made of steel, there are only six million rivets in it. Harbor Bridge cost Australia dearly. Drivers pay $ 2 for it. This money goes to maintain the bridge.
On New Year's Eve, it is used for exciting pyrotechnic shows. But the object is interesting not only in winter - the rest of the time, excursions for tourists take place at the construction. Starting at age 10, people can climb the arch and look at Sydney from a height. 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 were built, but were destroyed due to exposure to water or fires. In the 15th century, the next crossing was decided to "bring to mind." 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 his work 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 Englishman William Clark.
Interestingly, the bridge is decorated with sculptures depicting lions. Exactly the same sculptures, but larger in size, then put in the UK.
5. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)
This is a visiting card 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 picked up by astronomers as a good sign.
Charles Bridge is surrounded by towers made in the Gothic style, and is decorated with 30 sculptures 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. The first by accident, John himself died. The whole family continued the case. The construction took 13 years and 15 million dollars. The names of the Robling family members were immortalized in the building for their unwavering faith and tenacity.
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 towers and a connecting gallery for spectators. The bridge has an interesting design - it is simultaneously suspended and adjustable. Moreover, when breeding a gallery with tourists remains in place, and viewers continue to admire the surroundings.
2. Ponte Vecchio (Florence, Italy)
Translated from Italian, Ponte Vecchio means "Old Bridge". It is really old: it was built in the middle of the 14th century. However, Vekkyu is still “living”: he is still actively traded on it.
Until the 16th century, meat was sold at Ponte Vecchio, so there has always been a lot of traffic. They say that the king even eavesdropped on human conversations as he walked through the upper corridor of the structure. Today, the bridge is called "golden", since the butcher shops were replaced by jewelry.
1. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA)
This suspension bridge is a symbol of San Francisco. Its length is 1970 meters. During the "gold rush" in San Francisco, ferries crowded with people sailed, then the need arose to erect a normal passage.
Construction was difficult: earthquakes regularly occurred, fogs periodically occurred, a rapid ocean current and gusts of wind interfered with the work.
The opening of the Golden Gate was solemn: the movement of cars was stopped, instead, 300,000 pedestrians passed along the bridge.
Despite unfavorable climatic and seismic conditions, the structure has withstood everything and still stands: in 1989, the Golden Gate survived even an earthquake of 7.1 points.