Architectural genius is most pronounced when creating bridges. Famous bridges of the world! It is they who, having a completely justified practical need, often become unique symbols of countries and cities, making recognizable both the famous world capitals and remote picturesque corners. From a huge number of these objects, we have selected 10 of the 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 generally accepted criteria for the beauty of architectural objects, we tried to compile this list, which included recognized examples of bridge architecture of past centuries, and new products that surprise contemporaries with the grandeur of design and execution.
Bridge (viaduct) Millou
Opens a list called "The most beautiful bridges in the world" Millow Bridge, opened in December 2004 and is today the largest suspension structure in the world.
Majestically rising above the valley of Karow Lake, located in the south of France, at an altitude of 343 meters, Millou Road Bridge creates the sensation of a stunning flight for everyone passing through it. Contributes to this illusion and the architecture of the bridge - light, as if flying. Exceeding the famous Eiffel Tower, the viaduct leads the world in the list of the highest bridges. The grand 8-span structure is located on seven supports and weighs 36 thousand 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, called "The Most Beautiful Bridges in the World", would not be complete without the famous American bridge, erected in 1929.
It is spread over the Arkansas River and has long become one of the region’s most famous landmarks. The monumentality of the building organically combines with the amazing ease of construction, and a 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
One of the most visited tourist attractions of Zaragoza has long been recognized stone bridge Puente de Piedra over the Ebro River, 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 grace of the structure. Located in the city center near the El Pilar Basilica, this bridge is also known by the name of Lion, as it is decorated with four symbolic sculptures of lions.
It is also famous for the duration of the construction: it was built for 40 years, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it was completely reconstructed. 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 health of the whole country.
Hong Kong: Tsin Ma Bridge
The list of “The largest and most beautiful bridges in the world” includes the well-known 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 guide for tourists.
Graceful and surprisingly beautiful (especially in the night illumination), the bridge connects the city with the island of Lantau. In addition, as an essential part of the infrastructure of the Hong Kong International Airport, Tsin Ma provides highway and rail links. The bridge was commissioned in 1997. Its length is very impressive - 2.2 km, and the main span - 1.4 km.
Argentina: Women Bridge (Puente de la Mujer)
It is impossible not to include in the category “The Most Beautiful Bridges of the World” the most interesting Argentinean Women's Bridge. The story of the creation of this unique swing bridge is amazing. The inspiration for the architect Santiago Calatrava was the graceful movements of a couple dancing the Argentinean tango. Located in Buenos Aires, this 170-meter graceful swing bridge spans over 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 attraction.
The bridge is pedestrian. 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 releasing the fairway for passing ships in 2 minutes. This movable section of the bridge is equipped with a giant metal 34-meter “needle”. Cable cables holding the middle part of the bridge are in contact with the “needle”, the slope of which over the surface of the water is 39 °. A special support protruding from the water balances the end of the middle section when turning through 90 °. Controlling all the work of this magnificent building, the computer system includes a rotary mechanism if necessary.
Great Britain: Gateshead Millennium Bridge
This is the first tiltable bridge, which has no analogues. He has been awarded many architectural prizes and awards. Realizing the unique design of the pedestrian bridge, which is necessary for the city, but does not interfere with river navigation, in 2001 a unique 850-ton structure with a length of 126 m was erected.
The bridge consists of two steel arches, one of which rises above the water in a semicircle, reaching a height of 50 m at the top, the second is a pedestrian canvas, under which low vessels can pass. When approaching a tall ship, the arches begin to move towards each other, turning 40 °, and join. The duration of such a maneuver is 4.5 minutes. Upon completion, both canvases are equilibrium-raised and rise above the water at a height of 25 meters. In the people, this turn was aptly dubbed the "winking eye."
Singapore: Henderson Wave Bridge
The bridge over Henderson Road is an outstanding structure resembling a huge snake wrapping around a tree branch. In 2008, the most beautiful bridges on earth were complemented by this ingenious pedestrian construction. The leader in height among the bridges of Singapore, he immediately won the love of the inhabitants of the city.
The basis of the bridge was a frame of characteristic curved steel ribs, alternately towering above the deck. The original sheathing of the frame made of special wood species perfectly withstands climatic vicissitudes. Henderson Wave Bridge connects two city parks. A wave-shaped 7-section building with a length of 294 meters seems to soar at 36 meters above a busy highway. In the inner bends of the bridge are comfortable niches equipped with benches and armchairs, where you can relax while admiring the picturesque views. External "waves" are also a roof, creating excellent protection against wind and the sun. The Henderson Wave Bridge is magnificent at any time of the day, but differs in particular sophistication at sunrise or sunset. At night, it is lit by garlands of LEDs and becomes romantic and mysterious.
Italy: Rialto Bridge
The oldest Rialto bridge, spread over the Grand Canal, is the pearl of world bridge building and a popular attraction that occupies a worthy place in the list of “Most Beautiful Famous Bridges in the World”.
The stone structure, replacing 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-high 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 during the heyday of Italy, the bridge has not lost its popularity: it is always lively and loved by the residents and tourists.
French Pont du Gard
This Roman bridge, which has stood the test of time, was taken under the protection of UNESCO. Erected in antiquity, a three-level bridge today is a place of pilgrimage for tourists from many countries. Pont du Gard is an aqueduct connecting the banks of the Gardon River near the French city of Nimes. Its size is remarkable, they surprise and shock at the same time: the bridge is 275 meters long and 47 meters high. Pont du Gard is not just a majestic ancient Roman aqueduct, here every stone remembers fascinating historical events. The time of construction of this unique structure dates back to the 19th year BC. e., but none of the scientists can explain how it was built.
The three-tiered aqueduct is part of a 50-kilometer water supply system that supplies water for the needs of Nyme citizens. Over more than 2000 years of history, changes have occurred, the aqueduct has long ceased to perform the functions of a water supply system, remaining a magnificent crossing.
