Lets go back to our good old junior school days when our teachers would ask us definitions about various earthly phenomena like the river, mountain, volcano, solar system and what not! Do you remember what you said to your sweet school teacher when she asked you about how you know a bridge? Or today, what is your definition to the ever inquisitive kid around you when he/she wants to know what is that thing that joins the two ends divided by a river? Okay...lets revise our general knowledge, a bridge is a structure built to connect two different ends of landmass that is dissected by a water body or other physical obstacle to facilitate smooth passage over the obstacle. Frankly speaking there is nothing more to add to a bridge's profile more than that if you are not an engineer. But when you are in Europe, you will find certain aspects of several amazing bridges that fascinates you even if you belong to any other profession under the sun. So, lets keep this introduction precise and jump in to the aesthetic veins of our anatomy...or rather mind.?
1. Miliau Bridge (Tran Valley, France)
Crossing the river Tarn in the Massif Central mountains, the Millau Bridge is one of the highest road bridge in the world weighing 36000 tonnes. It was been designated by the British architect Lord Fosters and it opened in the year 2004. It is said to be one of the most breath taking bridges of the world.
2. Pont du Gard, France
You have to head to Southern france o see this beautiful bridge built in the middle of the first century by the Roman Empire. Serving the purpose of a aqueduct that used to supply water to the Castellum in Nemausus from the Fontaines d Eure springs near Uz s. The bridge that crosses the small Gardon river valley in its stretch, attracts millions of visitors every year. Deservingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pont du Gard is worth a visit. The architecture of the bridge is of awe and wonder as there were no mortars used construct it.
3. Ponte dei Sospiri
Commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs, Ponte dei Sospiri stands out of the numerous bridges that is scattered across the wonderful water canals of Venice. Naturally a romantic and classy city, there are some very interesting legends associated with this bridge that might easily attract couples on honeymoon. The bridge was built in between 1600 and 1603 and the entire structure is on white limestone. Constructed by Antoni Contino, Ponte dei Sospiri connects the old dungeons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace passing over the Rio di Palazzo.
4. The Vasco da Gama Bridge
Crossing the famous Tagus River near Lisbon, The Vasco Da Gama Bridge is one the longest bridge in Europe and is one of the night longest in the world. Located in Lisbon Portugual, it is a cable style bridge and was built to remove the congestion of Lisbon other bridge
5. Oresund Bridge
One of the finest specimen of sea bridges and the longest of that type in Europe, Oresund bridge connects Copenhagen in denmark. The bridge that seems to disappear in the sea is 8 km long with four lane roadways and two-track rail lines. A drive on this marvelous phenomena is worth taking and cherishing.
6. Tower Bridge, London
Any literate and intellectually vigilant human being on earth has heard of this bridge for more than once in their lives. A symbol of the charm and grandeur of London the Tower Bridge is a visual treat and architectural wonder. Mastermind by Horace Jones and Wolfe Barry, its construction was completed in the year 1894. Coming to the numbers associated with this iconic structure, both the towers are of 141 feet height each with 70,000 tonnes of concrete poured into 2 huge piers. The amount of steel used here is 11,000 tonnes while 432 workers toiled for eight years to bring it to existence.
7. The Sunniberg Bridge
Created in 1998, the Sunniberg Bridge located near Klosters is a cable styled road bridge and is known for its innovative design with aesthetic appearance. It won an outstanding structure award in the year 2001 and was the creation of Christian Menn as a Extradosed Bridge. The bridge was erected in the year 1998 and was constructed by Batigroup AG and Vetsch AG
8. Charles Bridge
The ever artistic city of Prague is home to the Charles Bridge, that joins the Old Town with the majestic Prague Castle. The bridge was completed in 1357 and it served as a vital trade route between eastern and western Europe. It is graced with various wonderful statues that counts to 30 in number and a Gothic castle to add that local taste and touch. Symbol of glory, history and to a large extent inspiring engineering, these bridges are the ever attractive monuments in the European vacation.
Recommended For You
- The Future of Drone Tourism: How Drones are Changing the Travel Industry
- 10 Reasons Why Diwali is Celebrated
- Significance of Navratri and Durga Puja
- Why and How is Dussehra Celebrated All Over India?
- Top 10 Drone and Aviation Training Institutes in India
- 5 Places to Visit on this Long Weekend for You from Delhi