This suspension bridge was built back in 1938 and became part of the Garden Ring along with another bridge. Then he was among the six bridges in Europe whose river spans were the longest. For Krymsky it is 168 meters. The bridge received this name because there was a ford in its place during the Crimean Tatars’ raids on Moscow. It was along it that the nomads crossed the river. Currently, the bridge is open to traffic for both cars and pedestrians. From the center of the building there is an excellent view of the capital's sights.
The bridge connects the Bresenevskaya and Prechistenskaya embankments. Always gathers here a large number of tourists, because from here there is a view of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. In general, the bridge is made in a traditional style, reminiscent of Moscow in the 19th century. Almost immediately after its opening in 2004, “love locks” began to appear on the fences, which are customary for lovers to seal their marriage. It is also known that from 2008 to 2011, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recorded New Year's addresses to Russians on the Patriarchal Bridge.
This pedestrian bridge is part of the famous Moscow City complex. It was opened on the 850th anniversary of the capital. Bagration is a two-level building made in a futuristic style. The first level is a long, fully glazed gallery, and the second level is only partially glazed, since there is an open Observation deck. The Bagration Bridge is also considered a shopping complex, because shops, restaurants, cafes and other establishments are open on both levels. In 2004, on the first floor of the building, which ends the bridge from the Krasnopresnenskaya embankment, the sculpture “Tree of Life” by Ernst Neizvestny was installed.
The bridge that connects the Serebryany Bor park and the Krylatskoye district can be considered truly avant-garde. He crosses the river under acute angle, and not perpendicular. It is framed on top by a bright coral-colored arch. At the top there is an observation deck, which can be reached by elevator or stairs. It was planned that in this very high point a restaurant will be opened on the bridge, but the idea was never implemented. They say that the reason was the inability to bring all the necessary communications to the site. Now Muscovites are waiting for the registry office to open on the bridge.
Today it is the oldest bridge in Moscow. Its history began during the reign of Empress Catherine II. By her order, the aqueduct (or, if translated into Russian, “water conduit”) began to be built in 1780. Construction was completed only after 24 years. Due to the enormous costs for the 18th century that went into this construction, the aqueduct began to be called the Million Bridge. But thanks to him, the center of the capital began to be successfully supplied with water from the north of the city. Today the bridge has been completely restored and is open to pedestrians.
The basis for this pedestrian bridge was the main arch of the former St. Andrew's Bridge. The builders even kept a sign with the history of the arch at the entrance, from the side of Pushkinskaya Embankment. On the other side, this bridge abuts the Frunzenskaya embankment. Externally, the structure looks like a wide, long corridor with a glass roof. You can cross to the other side of the river both inside and outside. The bridge also has an observation deck with free binoculars.
This fully glazed pedestrian bridge was built in 2001. At its base there is an arch from the old railway Krasnoluzhsky Bridge, the history of which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The bridge received its current name relatively recently - 10 years ago. Outside, behind the glass, there are viewing balconies that offer excellent views of the surrounding area. There are a large number of shops and cafes open inside. By the way, this bridge is associated with the achievement of a world record for kissing on bridges: in February 2002, 2,226 people kissed on it at the same time.
Often, here and there, I came across simply beautiful photos Moscow bridges - until I got the idea to write an article about them) So, the most unusual, in my opinion, Moscow bridges =)
Zhivopisny Bridge
Let's start, perhaps, with the most picturesque bridge in Moscow in the literal and figurative sense, because that’s what it’s called - Zhivopisny Bridge!
The design of the Zhivopisny Bridge has no analogues in the world - the pylon is made in the form of a huge arched structure spanning from one bank of the river to the other, and the bridge crosses the river at an acute angle. Noise barriers are installed on both sides of the bridge. At the top of the arch there is an ellipsoidal restaurant with an observation deck, somewhat reminiscent of a flying saucer)
The length of the bridge is 1460 meters, the width is 37 meters, the length of the main span is 409.5 meters, the span of the arch is 182 meters, the height of the arch is 105 meters, the number of cables is 72. From the roadway to the surface of the water is 30 meters. dimensions observation deck: length - 33 m, width - 24 m, height - 13 m.
The supporting structures - the pylon and the cables - are painted deep red. The cables are enclosed in a shell made of sheet metal and have an outer diameter of about 130 mm. At the point where the cable stays are connected to the road surface, there are special units for tensioning the cables. To the uninitiated, these units look like pairs of metal cylinders connected by small diameter bolts. The cylinders are actually protective caps, and the use of such bolts to connect them is justified. However, soon after the opening of the bridge, the small diameter of the bolts was noticed by citizens, and it was also noticed that the nuts on some bolts were not tightened. This provoked first a chain of publications in blogs, then in the media, and then an unscheduled inspection by Rostechnadzor, which did not reveal any violations.
The Zhivopisny Bridge is part of Zvenigorodsky Prospekt, which includes another exceptional object - the almost three-kilometer Serebryanoborsky tunnel, consisting of 2 levels: one for vehicles and the other for metro trains. The diameter of the structures is 13 m, the distance between them is 34 meters. For the first time in world construction practice, the tunnel cut through not solid rock, but the so-called unstable terrain, which has a very complex hydraulic system. The tunnel is equipped with the most last word technology - modern systems fire extinguishing, video surveillance and smoke removal equipment.
On this moment traffic on the bridge and the North-West Tunnel is limited at night (from 23:00 to 06:00) in the Novorizhsky direction in order to check the load-bearing structures of the bridge and tunnel. Traffic on the bridge and tunnel will be limited to one lane only, but in some cases Traffic may be limited to two lanes.
Bagration Bridge
The next bridge on our list is the pedestrian “Bagration”.
Bagration Bridge- a shopping and pedestrian bridge across the Moscow River as part of the Moscow City complex under construction.
The bridge was built of glass and concrete according to the design of the architect B. I. Thor and named in honor of the Russian commander P. I. Bagration. This is an unusual and quite futuristic building in appearance.
Bagration connects Krasnopresnenskaya embankment with Taras Shevchenko embankment.
The length of the bridge is 214 m, width - 16 m, height above river level - 14 m. Opened in September 1997 to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow.
The Bagration Bridge consists of two levels. The lower level is a covered gallery glazed throughout. For ease of pedestrian traffic, horizontal travelators are installed at this level. The upper level is partially glazed and contains an open observation deck.
There are shopping pavilions on the bridge. From the side of Krasnopresnenskaya embankment, the bridge lobby is connected to the exit of the Vystavochnaya metro station. On this side of the embankment there is a motor ship pier of the same name.
From the side of the Taras Shevchenko embankment, the bridge is combined with “Tower 2000” - a 104-meter skyscraper in the Moscow City complex, then there is an alley to Kutuzovsky Prospekt, on which a monument to P. I. Bagration was built. By the way, it was the Bagration Bridge that was the first construction of the Moscow City complex.
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Pushkinsky Bridge
I think I should also write about the Pushkin Bridge - this is also a pedestrian bridge built across the Moscow River. It connects Pushkinskaya Embankment of Neskuchny Garden with Frunzenskaya Embankment.
Pushkinsky Bridge built in 2000 using the structures of the old Andreevsky Bridge, built between 1905 and 1907 according to the design of L. D. Proskuryakov and A. N. Pomerantsev.
The main arch of the Pushkin Bridge, weighing about 1,500 tons, was moved to its current location by three barges in 1999. The entire complex of work took 11 months, navigation on the river was blocked for eight and a half days, and the towing itself took an hour and a half.
Since the river bed in the new place is wider than in Luzhniki, from the side of the Frunzenskaya embankment the arch rests not on the hinge of the bank support, but on the outrigger channel support; between the hinge of the arch and the shore there are two reinforced concrete beam spans of 25 m each, decorated with false vaults. The supports stand on grillages, beneath them there are bored pillars and piles up to 17 m deep.
Crimean Bridge
Crimean Bridge- a suspension bridge across the Moscow River, located on the Garden Ring highway and connecting Krymskaya Square with Krymsky Val Street.
The Crimean Bridge was opened on May 1, 1938 and at that time was among the top six bridges in Europe in terms of river span length - 168 meters. The bridge has 3 spans; its total length is 688 m, width 38.5 m. Built at the Kramatorsk plants NKMZ (main part) and SKMZ (pedestrian part and chains).
The bridgehead area at the western end of the bridge is Krymskaya Square, on which an overpass was built to interchange traffic along the Garden Ring and Komsomolsky Prospekt at different levels (reconstructed in the late 90s). The eastern end of the bridge flows into Krymsky Val Street, which faces Kaluzhskaya Square.
Type of construction used by engineer B. P. Konstantinov and architect A. V. Vlasov when designing Crimean bridge, is original and rare in world practice: its pylons, each 28.7 meters high, stand separately and are not connected at the top. Chains pass through the top, secured to the abutments at the ends of the bridge. The total length of each chain is 297 m, the total mass of metal structures is about 10,000 tons.
The passages along the embankments pass under the bridge in the coastal spans between the pylons and anchor abutments at the ends of the chains. The approach ramps are arranged along reinforced concrete overpasses, the front sides of which are covered with walls lined with granite. Garages are located under the overpasses. To descend from the sidewalks of the bridge, stairs are installed along the walls of the approaches.
Previously, on the site of the modern Crimean Bridge there was Nikolsky wooden bridge, built in 1789 according to the design of A. Gerard. In the 1870s. the dilapidated bridge was replaced by a metal one with two lattice beam spans (project author V.K. Speyer); in 1936 the bridge was moved 50 m downstream of the Moscow River and then dismantled. The bridge got its name from the ancient Crimean ford, through which people crossed Crimean Tatars during raids on Moscow.
From April to December 2001, work was carried out on the general reconstruction of the Crimean Bridge. During this time, builders replaced the pavement and roadway of the bridge. Prefabricated pavement slabs were replaced with a monolith. In addition, the waterproofing of the bridge was updated and anti-corrosion treatment was carried out on metal structures. 5.5 thousand were also replaced square meters granite facing.
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Patriarchal Bridge
Of course, we cannot ignore the relatively small, but no less unusual Patriarchal Bridge.
Patriarchal Bridge is a pedestrian bridge opened in 2004. It is located opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, crossing the Moscow River and connecting the Prechistenskaya and Bersenevskaya embankments, then the stylobate part goes through Bolotny Island and crosses the Vodootvodny Canal, ending at the Yakimanskaya embankment.
The Patriarchal Bridge was built according to the design of the architect M. Posokhin, the artist Zurab Tsereteli and the engineers A. Kolchin and O. Chemerinsky. It is distinguished by an unusual truss structure of the load-bearing span.
In general, the structure is stylized according to the traditional architecture of bridges of the 19th century. Lamps are built into the bridge deck, creating original lighting.
Novoarbatsky Bridge
TO unusual bridges Moscow can also be attributed Novoarbatsky Bridge- a steel-reinforced concrete beam bridge across the Moscow River, connecting New Arbat and Kutuzovsky Prospekt. Built in 1957. In 2003-2004 a major reconstruction was carried out.
The main span is located at an angle of 72° to the river bed and is a continuous steel-reinforced concrete beam (a prestressed reinforced concrete slab is included in working together with load-bearing steel beams). The thickenings of the top slab, visible directly under the sidewalk parapets, are the casings of the anchors of the tension ropes. For the first time in Moscow practice, steel spans are made entirely welded.
The river supports, each of which includes six channeled columns on a common base, rest on caisson foundations, while the bank supports are piled. The bridge complex also includes a pre-bridge area on the center side. Directly above the bridge is the mouth of the Presnya River collector.
On June 15, 2003, Novoarbatsky Bridge was closed for the duration of major reconstruction. During the work, the builders eliminated the deflection of the bridge's channel span, replaced the reinforced concrete slabs of the roadway and utility lines. The reconstruction was completed on July 3, 2004.
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“Million Bridge”
Well, we’ve reached the Rostokinsky Aqueduct, or, as it is also called, the “Million Bridge” =) This is an aqueduct in Moscow, erected during the time of Catherine II.
In 1767, Catherine II convened a Commission in Moscow to develop new legislation for the country. The order of Muscovites touched upon the problem of Moscow's water supply, since the plague epidemic in 1771 particularly acutely raised the issue of installing a water supply system (“water supply”). On July 28, 1779, Catherine II instructed “Lieutenant General Bauer to carry out water works for the benefit of our capital city of Moscow.” In the same year, military engineer F.V. Bauer carried out the necessary research and presented a project for the Mytishchi gravity water supply system. Construction began in 1780. During the construction of the aqueduct, the architects were Bauer and Colonel I. Gerard.
The construction of the water pipeline was interrupted several times and lasted about 25 years. It was completed and launched only in 1804. This construction cost a colossal amount of 1 million 648 thousand rubles at that time: this is why the Rostokinsky Aqueduct was popularly called “ Millionth Bridge”.
The Mytishchi water supply system in those days was a grandiose structure. In 1785, Catherine called it the best building in Moscow, saying that “it looks as light as a feather... and very durable.” The Rostokinsky aqueduct, 356 meters long with abutments up to 15 meters high, was for its time the largest stone bridge in Russia.
In our time Rostokinsky aqueduct located parallel to Prospekt Mira, in the VDNKh area.
IN Soviet time The heating main ran through the aqueduct. In 2007-2008, the Rostokinsky aqueduct was restored, equipped with railings and a decorative roof, and opened for public access.
Borodinsky Bridge
Last in this article I decided to describe Borodinsky Bridge is a steel three-span beam bridge across the Moscow River, connecting Smolenskaya Square with Bolshaya Dorogomilovskaya Street and Kievsky Station.
Since 1788, a “living” Dorogomilovsky Bridge existed on the site of the current bridge; Both Russian and French troops passed along it in September 1812, after the Battle of Borodino. The bridge was regularly destroyed by floods. In 1865, the city allocated 300,000 rubles for the construction of the capital Dorogomilovsky Bridge. The first competition was unsuccessful, the second was won by industrial engineer Amand Struve. The bridge, the project of which was personally approved by Emperor Alexander II, was named Borodinsky. Construction began on May 2, 1867, and was completed less than a year later, on May 15, 1868. The design of the bridge is a box beam typical of Struve’s projects (three spans of 43 meters each), manufactured at the Kolomensky plant.
With the construction of the Bryansk (Kievsky) station, the need arose to replace the old, narrow bridge built in 1868. In 1909, the designers of Oskolkov, Shchekotov and Klein won open competition projects and began construction in 1911. The bridge, with a total length of 250 meters, had three steel arched spans (40.9, 45.5, 40.9 m long). Each span consisted of 12 riveted arches with a pitch of 2.1 m. The road surface had a carriageway 18.5 m wide and two pedestrian paths of 3.5 m each.
Borodinsky Bridge is one of two Moscow road bridges that did not require immediate replacement in the 1930s. due to the rise in water level during the launch of the Moscow Canal, however, the intersection of the roadways of the bridge and embankments at the same level significantly limited its transport capabilities. In 1952, the bridge was rebuilt under the leadership of Yu. V. Werner. The load-bearing piers and shore buildings were built up in height and width; the roadway has been widened to 42.6 m in width. Arches 26.0 meters wide were built on the banks to decouple traffic along the Rostov and Berezhkovskaya embankments. The total length of the bridge, including approaches, reached 352 m. In 1979, the tram tracks were removed from the bridge.
In 1999-2001 the bridge was rebuilt again, since the condition of the load-bearing arches and road slab required their immediate replacement. A study of the oxen found that they were too weak to support a steel arch or concrete beam structure. Therefore, the easiest (in every sense) solution was chosen - a steel beam with an orthotropic roadway slab. The bridge retained Klein's obelisks and porticoes, but completely lost its arched essence. The beams are “camouflaged” with curved aprons made of sheet steel, imitating load-bearing arches (a similar decoy was used during the reconstruction of the Novospassky Bridge).
This photo collection contains photographs of bridges built in more than ten different countries, the age of the bridges is from 2 to almost 2000 years.
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain. The bridge took 42 years to build and was completed in 1751. The construction of the bridge claimed 50 lives.
Charles Bridge, Prague. Built in 1357 as part of Emperor Charles IV's vision for a magnificent Prague, Charles Bridge connects the Old Town and New town, spans the width of the Vltava River. Statues of saints, street artists and panoramic views of the city attract millions of tourists every year.
Banpo Bridge, Seoul. The Banpo Bridge in Seoul features a decorative rainbow fountain that shoots jets of water through nearly 10,000 LED-lit nozzles along the entire length of the bridge.
Ranyang Bridge, Jiangsu Province, China. The Ranyang Bridge crosses the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, China. It connects two parts of the expressway that links the huge cities of Beijing and Shanghai.
Vasco da Gama Bridge, near Lisbon. This Portuguese bridge was opened to traffic in 1998 to mark the 500th anniversary of Da Gama's discovery. sea route from Europe to India.
Chengyang Bridge, China. Translated, the name means “bridge of wind and rain.” This bridge, consisting of five pavilions, is the most popular meeting place for Chengyang residents.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York. The world's first steel suspension bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. More than 120,000 cars and 3,100 bicycles cross the bridge every day.
Fehmarn Strait Bridge, Germany.
The Fehmarn Strait Bridge connects the island of Fehmarn to the German mainland, spanning almost a kilometer Baltic Sea. It was built during cold war. Its design contains explosives to blow up the bridge in the event of an invasion.
Mackinac Bridge, Michigan. Connecting two peninsulas of Michigan, the five-mile Mackinac Bridge is the dividing line between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Every Labor Day celebration, the bridge is opened to pedestrians, and tens of thousands of people converge on it to take part in the Mackinac Bridge Parade.
Konitsa Bridge, Greece. This modest Greek bridge was built by Ziogas Frontzos from the nearby village of Pirsogianni. Local legend states that when the architects, who had previously tried unsuccessfully to build a bridge, asked him where he studied bridge construction, he proudly replied: “At the University of Pirsogianni!”
Rot Brug, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Aptly named "Rot Brug" (literally: "Red Bridge"), the bridge elegantly spans the River Vecht in the red light district of Utrecht.
Tower Bridge, London. Named after a nearby Tower of London, Tower Bridge is a symbol of the capital of Great Britain.
Rialto Bridge in Venice. The rising part of the central arch of the Venetian Rialto Bridge allowed passage large ships along the city's Grand Canal during the heyday of merchant shipping. Today the bridge is one of the most visited attractions in Venice.
Kapellbrücke, Lucerne, Switzerland. This covered wooden bridge was built in the 14th century. Its roof is decorated with more than a hundred paintings depicting the history of the city.
Old Bridge, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Old Bridge was built in the 16th century to connect the two banks of the city of Mostar. The bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Croatian-Bosnian War, but was carefully restored and reopened in 2004. It now stands again over the Neretva River.
Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong. The length of the bridge is almost 1400 meters. The Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong is the longest railway suspension bridge in the world. It is also an example of forethought in engineering - the bridge has two closed road and rail lines that can be used if the area needs to be evacuated during severe typhoons.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence. It is believed that the bridge was originally built in the 10th century, and the Ponte Vecchio was later washed away by floods and was rebuilt twice. This is the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed during World War II.
Python Bridge, Amsterdam. Built in 2001, this bridge in Amsterdam truly resembles a giant red snake. Bonus points: decorative aluminum seagulls.
Eitai Bridge, Tokyo. After the bridge's original wooden structure was destroyed by an earthquake, Tokyo built this high-strength steel replacement in 1926.
Harbor Bridge, Sydney. Best time to see the Sydney Harbor Bridge - New year's night, when the bridge becomes the city's focal point for the city's fireworks and celebrations.
Penang Bridge, Malaysia. The bridge in Penang is the longest in Malaysia. Its length is impressive - 13.5 kilometers.
Pont du Gard, France. This aqueduct was built by the Romans in the first century AD. Due to its historical significance, it was added to the world's list in 1985. cultural heritage UNESCO.
Golden Gate, San Francisco. The iconic bridge in San Francisco spans the Golden Gate, a strait connecting the San Francisco Bay to Pacific Ocean. Its remarkable orange color (known in the aerospace industry as "international orange") was chosen specifically to make it visible to passing ships, even in heavy fog.
Architectural genius is most clearly demonstrated in the creation of bridges. Famous bridges of the world! It is they, having a completely justified practical need, that often become unique symbols of countries and cities, making both famous world capitals and remote picturesque corners recognizable. From a huge number of these objects, we have selected the 10 most beautiful bridges in the world and are publishing a very arbitrary TOP 10, since there are many original and stunningly magnificent bridges in the world. And yet, using generally accepted criteria for the beauty of architectural objects, we tried to compile this list, which includes recognized examples of bridge architecture of past centuries, and new items that surprise contemporaries with the grandeur of their design and execution.
Millow Bridge (viaduct)
The list entitled “The Most Beautiful Bridges in the World” opens with the Millow Bridge, opened in December 2004 and today the largest suspended structure in the world.
Rising majestically above the valley of Tarn Lake, located in the south of France, at an altitude of 343 meters road bridge Millow creates a sensation of stunning flight for everyone passing through it. The architecture of the bridge also contributes to this illusion - it is light, as if flying. Exceeding the height of the famous Eiffel Tower, the viaduct is a leader in the world list of the most high bridges. The grandiose 8-span structure is placed on seven supports and weighs 36 thousand tons. A viaduct in the shape of a semicircle with a radius of 20 km was erected; its length is 2.4 km.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Our list, called “The Most Beautiful Bridges in the World,” would be incomplete without the famous American bridge, built in 1929.
It spreads over and has long become one of the most famous attractions of the region. The monumentality of the structure is organically combined with the amazing lightness of the structures, and the height of 305 meters makes it possible to enjoy the unforgettable mountain scenery of this picturesque area. The length of the structure is 385 m.
Spain: Puente de Piedra Bridge
Puente de Piedra across the Ebro River has long been recognized as one of the most visited by tourists, rightfully occupying one of the leading places in our ranking of “The Most Beautiful Bridges in the World”. The photo presented in the article demonstrates the integrity and elegance of the structure. Located in the city center near the Basilica of El Pilar, this bridge is also known as the Lion Bridge, as it is decorated with four symbolic sculptures of lions.
It is also famous for the duration of its construction: it took 40 years to build, and was completely reconstructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Puente de Piedra bridge is a historical and architectural monument that appeared in the 15th century, and, at the same time, a powerful transport artery, extremely important for the economic health of the entire country.
Hong Kong: Tsin Ma Bridge
The list of “The largest and most beautiful bridges in the world” includes the famous Hong Kong Tsin Ma suspension bridge - one of the world’s masterpieces of architecture, which has become a kind of symbol of the country and a landmark for tourists.
Graceful and amazingly beautiful (especially when illuminated at night), the bridge connects the city with Lantau Island. In addition, being an essential part of the infrastructure of Hong Kong international airport, Tsin Ma provides highway and railway connections. The bridge was put into operation in 1997. Its length is very impressive - 2.2 km, and the main span is 1.4 km.
Argentina: Women's Bridge (Puente de la Mujer)
In the category “The most beautiful bridges in the world” it is impossible not to include the most interesting Argentine Women’s Bridge. The history of the creation of this unique swing bridge is amazing. The architect was inspired by the graceful movements of a dancing couple Argentine tango. Located in Buenos Aires, this 170-meter graceful swing bridge spans the Rio de la Plata and connects two streets: Pierina Dealessi and Manuela Gorriti in the city's Puerto Madero district. The bridge opened at the end of 2001, and it immediately became a city landmark.
The bridge is pedestrian. It is 6.2 m wide, delimited into 3 sections, 2 of which, 25 and 32.5 m long, are fixed and located along the banks, while the middle part rotates on a concrete support base and is capable of clearing the fairway for passing ships in 2 minutes. This movable section of the bridge is equipped with a giant 34-meter metal “needle”. The cables holding the middle part of the bridge are in contact with the “needle”, the inclination of which above the surface of the water is 39°. A special support protruding from the water balances the end of the middle section when rotated 90°. Controlling all the work of this magnificent structure, computer system includes a rotating mechanism if necessary.
UK: in Gateshead
This is the first tilting bridge, which has no analogues yet. He has received many architectural prizes and awards. Putting it into practice unique project pedestrian bridge, necessary for the city, but not interfering with river navigation, a unique 850-ton structure with a length of 126 m was erected in 2001.
The bridge consists of two steel arches, one of which rises in a semicircle above the water, reaching a height of 50 m at the top, the second is a pedestrian roadway under which low ships can pass. When a tall vessel approaches, the arches begin to move towards each other, turning 40°, and connect. The duration of such a maneuver is 4.5 minutes. Upon completion, both canvases are balanced and raised above the water at a height of 25 meters. People aptly dubbed this turn the “winking eye.”
Singapore: Henderson Wave Bridge
The bridge over Henderson Road is an extraordinary structure that resembles a huge snake wrapped around a tree branch. In 2008, the most beautiful bridges on earth were complemented by this ingenious pedestrian structure. The leader in height among Singapore's bridges, it immediately won the love of the city's residents.
The basis of the bridge was a frame of characteristically curved steel ribs, alternately rising above the deck. The original cladding of the frame, made of special types of wood, perfectly withstands climatic vicissitudes. The Henderson Wave Bridge connects two city parks. The undulating 7-section structure, 294 m long, seems to float at a 36-meter height above a busy highway. In the inner bends of the bridge there are comfortable niches equipped with benches and chairs where you can relax while admiring the picturesque views. The external “waves” also act as a roof, creating excellent protection from wind and sun. The Henderson Wave Bridge is stunning at any time of the day, but is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset. At night, it is illuminated with garlands of LEDs and becomes romantic and mysterious.
Italy: Rialto Bridge
The oldest, stretching over the Grand Canal, is the pearl of world bridge construction and a popular attraction, occupying worthy place in the list of “The most beautiful famous bridges in the world.”
The stone structure, which replaced the original wooden structure, was erected at the end of the 16th century. It connects the urban areas of San Polo and San Marco. The 48-meter Rialto Bridge, based on 12,000 piles, is a pedestrian bridge consisting of one traditional arch. The width of the structure is 22 m. Today, as in the heyday of Italy, the bridge has not lost its popularity: it is always lively and loved by city residents and tourists.
French Pont du Gard
This Roman bridge, which has stood the test of time, is under the protection of UNESCO. Built in ancient times, the three-level bridge is still a place of pilgrimage for tourists from many countries. The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct connecting the banks of the Gardon River near the French city of Nîmes. Its dimensions are remarkable, they surprise and shock at the same time: the length of the bridge is 275 m, and the height reaches 47 m. The Pont du Garce is not just a majestic ancient Roman aqueduct, here every stone remembers fascinating historical events. Time to build this unique structure dated back to 19 BC. e., but none of the scientists can explain how exactly it was built.
The three-tier aqueduct is part of a 50-kilometer water supply system that supplies water for the needs of the citizens of Nîmes. Over more than 2000 years of history, changes have occurred; the aqueduct has long ceased to serve as a water supply system, remaining a majestic crossing.
in London
TOP 10 “The most beautiful bridges in the world” is completed by the famous drawbridge over the Thames, located near the Tower. This British icon, built in the Victorian Gothic style, was built in 1894 and is a 244-meter structure with two 65-meter towers. The length of the span between them is 61 m, and the span itself is divided into 2 movable wings, capable of rising by 83° and equipped with a special counterweight, making it possible to open the bridge within one minute.
For pedestrians in the building, in addition to the provided sidewalks, galleries have been built that unite the towers at a height of 44 m. Today they house a museum and an observation deck.
We tried to list and characterize the most beautiful bridges in the world. The photos and names of the bridges are different, but they are similar in one thing: these majestic structures were created by brilliant masters and have become unique monuments of architectural art.
The editors of the authoritative portal about architecture and design Architectural Digest have compiled a list of the most beautiful bridges in the world. And there are a lot of them, because architects love to design something like this instead of a boring road on several supports. From the Charles Bridge in Prague to the Golden Gate in San Francisco, look where you haven't gone before.
Seri Wawasan Bridge, Putrajaya, Malaysia
It was designed by a company from Kuala Lumpur, and construction was completed in 2003.
Puente de la Mujera Bridge, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The design of the building was developed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. The bridge was opened in 2001.
High Bridge, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The construction project was carried out by the New York architectural bureau West 8. The work was completely completed in 2001.
Nescio, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Built in 2006, the bridge was so beautiful that it won three major international awards. The structure was designed by designers from the London firm WilkinsonEyre. The length of the bridge is about 800 meters.
Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
The Venetian Rialto was built in the 16th century. It is the oldest bridge standing over the Grand Canal.
Subisuri Bridge, Bilbao, Spain
The Zubisuri pedestrian bridge, like the Puente de la Mujer in Buenos Aires, was designed by the legendary architect Santiago Calatrava. The structure was opened for citizens in 1997.
Manhattan Bridge, New York, USA
The bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was designed by engineer Leon Moisseiff, and the building opened in 1912. Before today the bridge is used daily by thousands of passengers, cars and public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The bridge was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. Construction was completed in 2010, and the construction cost approximately $300 million.
Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Designed by British engineer William Tierney Clarke, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge opened in 1849. It crosses the mighty Danube River.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
One of the most famous bridges in the world was built in 1937. It owes its recognizable outlines to the architect Irwin Morrow.
Tower Bridge, London, UK
Another celebrity in the area architectural structures- Tower Bridge - opened in 1894. Thanks to it, cars and pedestrians can still easily cross the River Thames.
Helix Bridge, Singapore
Helix, which opened in 2010, sparkles with lights and looks very futuristic. It connects the urban areas of Singapore Marina and Marina South.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasilia, Brazil
The bridge was designed by architect Alexander Chen and engineer Mario Vila Verde. When construction was completed in 2002, its total cost was approximately $57 million.
Bridge Millau Viaduct, Cressel, France
The Millau Viaduct is the highest bridge in the world. Its highest point rises 340 meters above the base of the structure. The design was developed by architect Sir Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virloge. The bridge was opened in 2004.
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The Charles Bridge, which crosses the Vltava, was built in the early 1400s. It is built entirely of stone and decorated with dozens of ancient statues on both sides.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, USA
The bridge was opened to citizens in 1883, and at first New Yorkers were distrustful of the huge structure. Literally a week after the opening, rumors spread throughout the city about the possibility of a sudden collapse of the structure. Because of this, a stampede occurred on the bridge and twelve people died. To assure people of the strength of the bridge, the authorities led 21 circus elephants across it. Today, the bridge is used daily by 150 thousand cars and pedestrians.
Khaju Bridge, Isfahan, Iran
The structure is about 130 meters long and 12 meters wide and houses as many as 23 arches. Beautiful both day and night, Khaju Bridge is a popular meeting place for city residents.
