Do you like amazing bridges? I do. I think they are absolutely incredible pieces of architecture. I always wonder at how they actually make the bases under water. They can be made of wood, steel or concrete and long or small, I love the different styles. There are many ways that bridges are classified for being biggest, widest, longest, heaviest, etc, but because it’s so confusing, I’m not going to make any claims in my list of 8 amazing bridges.
Photo Credit: :'D ClowN
I think this bridge has a really sleek, stylish look. It has a span of over 4,500 feet and is made from 49,000 tonnes of structural steel. It connects two islands in Hong Kong bay and it’s a major tourist attraction when it is spectacularly lit up at night. Isn’t it just incredible?
Photo Credit: hto2008
This amazing bridge is the one of longest in the world and it opened in 2008. It spans 22.4 miles to connect the provinces of Shanghai and Ningbo and it cost $1.4 billion. China is home to most of the world’s longest bridges even when split down into the various categories of longest rail bridge, longest over water, longest intercontinental, etc.
Photo Credit: Christina's Play Place
This might not be the prettiest but I think it is an amazing bridge because it carries a canal. It’s also quite a political symbol as it was constructed as part of the reunification of West and East Germany. That is most definitely amazing.
Photo Credit: jaime.silva
This picture shows the reconstructed bridge that was opened in 2004. The original Stari Most had stood in Mostar for 427 years and then it was completely destroyed in 1993 during the Croatia/Bosnia War. To many it became a lasting symbol of the conflict. I like it not just because of that but look at the stunning scenery it is set in.
Photo Credit: kwikzilver
Known as the Anaconda, this amazing bridge is a pedestrian walkway in Amsterdam’s docklands. Not the longest, not the widest to me but to me just a great example of the art of bridge building. Isn't it gorgeous?
Photo Credit: Anirudh Koul
Having lived in London and also having spent many a night in the Tower Thistle hotel right next door, I couldn’t but help love Tower Bridge. The picture I’ve chosen really does capture one of the great views. It also looks totally spectacular at night. The sight of the bridge opening to let tall ships through is quite thrilling.
Being an iconic symbol of London, Tower Bridge isn't just an architectural marvel; it's steeped in history, too. Opened in 1894, this Victorian Gothic-style drawbridge is a feat of engineering that still wows visitors today. The twin towers, high-level walkways, and the engine rooms are part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can learn about the bridge's history and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Whether you're capturing its grandeur during the day or basking in its night-time glow, the bridge's charm is undeniable. Its ability to blend the old with the modern cityscape is pure magic.
Photo Credit: Ryan Hadley
Sur le pont d’Avignon l'on y danse, l'on y danse. Sur le pont d’Avignon l'on y danse tout en rond. Yes I have done that. There’s many times I have danced across this wonderful stone bridge across the river Rhône during my summer holidays to the south of France when I was a kid.
The Pont St. Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, captivates both with its historical aura and its partial ruin dipping toes in the Rhône. Larger than life because of the famous song, this medieval construct once boasted 22 arches, stretching proud and sturdy before time whittled it down to four. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, its romantic gaps invite imaginations to soar, as if in the dance, spinning stories of papal grandeur and the simple joys of childhood twirls under the Provençal sun. A place where every stone whispers tales of the past, urging visitors to waltz along the remnants of history.
Photo Credit: seychellois *** I can't catch up myself ***
I am always hard pushed to decide between the Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs. As I can’t really include two in Venice in this list, I’ve chosen the Rialto for one of my amazing bridges. Actually, most of the bridges across the Venice canals are very enjoyable sights.
I hope you’ve enjoyed your short tour of some of the world’s amazing bridges. There are so many more that could have made my list but maybe that’s for another day. Do you have a favourite?
Top Photo Credit: Ivan Sohrakoff