Architectural genius is most evident in the construction 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 recognizable both famous world capitals and remote picturesque corners. From a huge number of these objects, we have selected the 10 most beautiful bridges in the world and publish a very conditional TOP 10, since there are many original and amazing bridges in the world. And yet, using the generally accepted criteria for the beauty of architectural objects, we tried to compile this list, which includes both recognized examples of bridge architecture of past centuries, and novelties that surprise contemporaries with the grandeur of design and execution.
Millow Bridge (Viaduct)
Opens a list called "The most beautiful bridges in the world" Millow Bridge, opened inDecember 2004 and is today the largest suspended structure in the world.
Rising majestically over the valley of the Carovoe Lake, located in the south of France, at an altitude of 343 meters, the Millow Road Bridge creates a feeling of stunning flight for everyone passing through it. The architecture of the bridge also contributes to this illusion - light, as if flying. Exceeding the height of the famous Eiffel Tower, the viaduct is also the leader in the world list of the highest bridges. The grandiose 8-span structure is placed on seven pillars and weighs 36,000 tons. A viaduct in the form of a semicircle with a radius of 20 km was erected, its length is 2.4 km.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Our list of "Most Beautiful Bridges in the World" would not be complete without the famous American bridge built in 1929
It stretches over the Arkansas River and has long become one of the most famous sights of the region. The monumentality of the building is organically combined with the amazing lightness of the structures, and the height of 305 meters makes it possible to enjoy the unforgettable mountain landscapes of this picturesque area. The length of the structure is 385 m.
Spain: Puente de Piedra Bridge
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Zaragoza has long been recognized as the stone bridge Puente de Piedra across the Ebro River, which rightfully occupies 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 andelegance of the building. Located in the city center near the Basilica of El Pilar, this bridge is also known as the Lion's Bridge, as it is decorated with four symbolic sculptures of lions.
It is also famous for the duration of construction: it took 40 years to build, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it was overhauled. Today, the Puente de Piedra bridge is a monument of history and architecture, which appeared in the 15th century, and, at the same time, a powerful transport artery, which is extremely important for the economic he alth of the whole country.
Hong Kong: Tsin Ma Bridge
The list of "The largest and most beautiful bridges in the world" includes the famous Hong Kong suspension bridge Tsin Ma - 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 to Lantau Island. In addition, being an essential part of the infrastructure of the Hong Kong International Airport, Tsin Ma provides highway and rail links. The bridge was put into operation in 1997. Its length is quite impressive - 2.2 km, and the main span - 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 inspiration for the architect Santiago Calatrava was the graceful movements of a couple dancingArgentine tango. Located in Buenos Aires, this graceful 170-meter swing bridge spans the Rio de la Plata and connects two streets: Pierina Dealessi and Manuela Gorriti in the urban area of Puerto Madero. The opening of the bridge took place at the end of 2001, and it immediately became a city landmark.
Pedestrian bridge. It is 6.2 m wide, delimited into 3 sections, 2 of which are 25 and 32.5 m long, fixed and located along the banks, while the middle part rotates on a concrete support-base and is capable of freeing the fairway for passing ships in 2 minutes. This movable section of the bridge is equipped with a giant metal 34-meter "needle". The cables holding the middle part of the bridge are in contact with the “needle”, the slope of which above the water surface is 39°. A special support protruding from the water balances the end of the middle section when rotated through 90°. Controlling the entire operation of this magnificent structure, a computer system activates the turning mechanism when necessary.
UK: Gateshead Millennium Bridge
This is the first ever tilting bridge. He has received many architectural prizes and awards. Implementing a unique project of a pedestrian bridge, necessary for the city, but not interfering with river navigation, a unique 850-ton structure 126 m long was erected in 2001.
The bridge consists of two steel arches, one of which rises above the water in a semicircle, reachingthe upper point of a height of 50 m, the second is a pedestrian canvas, under which low vessels can pass. When a tall vessel approaches, the arches begin to move towards each other, turning by 40°, and join. The duration of such a maneuver is 4.5 minutes. Upon its completion, both canvases are balanced-raised and rise above the water at a height of 25 meters. Popularly, this turn was aptly dubbed the “winking eye.”
Singapore: Henderson Wave Bridge
The bridge over Henderson Road is an extraordinary structure, resembling a huge snake wrapped around a tree branch. In 2008, the most beautiful bridges on earth were completed with this ingenious pedestrian structure. The leader in height among Singapore's bridges, he 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 sheathing of the frame made of special wood species perfectly withstands climatic upheavals. The Henderson Wave Bridge connects the two city parks. The wave-shaped 7-section structure with a length of 294 m seems to soar at a height of 36 meters above a busy highway. In the inner curves of the bridge, there are comfortable niches equipped with benches and armchairs where you can relax while admiring the picturesque views. The outer "waves" are also a roof, providing excellent protection from wind and sun. The Henderson Waves Bridge is magnificent at any time of the day, but it is especially exquisite at dawn or sunset. At night it is lit up with garlands. LEDs and becomes romantic and mysterious.
Italy: Ri alto Bridge
Spanning over the Grand Canal, the oldest bridge in the world, the Ri alto Bridge is a gem of world bridge building and a popular attraction that deserves a place in the list of "The most beautiful famous bridges in the world."
The stone structure that 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 Ri alto 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 residents of the city and tourists.
French Pont du Gard
This time-honoured Roman bridge has been taken under the protection of UNESCO. Erected in antiquity, the three-level bridge is still a place of pilgrimage for tourists from many countries. The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct that connects the banks of the Gardon River near the French city of Nimes. 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. The construction of this unique structure dates back to the 19th year BC. e., but none of the scientists can explain exactly how it was built.
The three-tiered aqueduct is part of a 50-kilometera water supply system that supplies water to the needs of the citizens of Nimes. Over more than 2000 years of history, changes have taken place, the aqueduct has long ceased to function as a water pipe, remaining a majestic crossing.
Tower Bridge in London
TOP-10 "The most beautiful bridges in the world" completes 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 span between them is 61 m, and the span itself is divided into 2 movable wings, capable of rising to 83 ° and equipped with a special counterweight, which makes it possible to open the bridge within one minute.
For pedestrians in the building, in addition to the sidewalks provided, galleries were 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 describe 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 craftsmen and have become unique monuments of architectural art.
