From the very beginning, bridges were constructed to make transportation easier. But today they are more than just a way to connect two points. Bridges have been turned into real architectural masterpieces. Architects and designers from all over the world collaborate to create the most beautiful and magnificent structures that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
These 11 bridges are true works of art that have become recognizable landmarks.
1. Helix Bridge, Marina Bay area, Singapore
Singapore is known for its hich-tech architecture. Bridges are no exception. However, there is one especially prominent bridge that attracts tourists from all over the globe – Helix Bridge. At night, the bridge is illuminated by electric blue lights which make it look even more surreal.
2. Tower Bridge, London, England
London is a magical place indeed. If you ever happen to be in London, Tower Bridge must be your #1 priority. It’s an iconic landmark and a great example of London’s rich Victorian history.
3. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
This medieval bridge is one of the must-see landmarks in Florence. It’s actually built from dozens small shops stacked on top of each other. In the 15th century these shops were greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers. But then, maybe because of their bad smells, they were replaced with goldsmiths. Even today you can find the world’s finest gold there.
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
This legendary bridge has been a symbol of San Francisco for years. The special district that was formed spent $30 million to build the Golden Gate Bridge. No one can really tell why but this bridge became one of the most photographed in the world and you can always recognize it by its reddish hue.
5. Banpo Girder bridge in Seoul, South Korea
The Banpo Girder Bridge was made as a “double decker” bridge. The upper part is called the Banpo Bridge and the lower one is Jamso Bridge. The Jamso Bridge is reserved for the pedestrians and bicycle riders while the Banpo Bridge gets all the attention. It has one unique feature – it is the world’s longest bridge fountain that set a Guinness World Record. The bridge has nearly 10,000 LED nozzles that run along both sides shooting out 190 tons of water per minute. The bridge looks absolutely breathtaking at night.
6. Camelback Bridge aka The Drunk Bridge, Norway
This weird bridge on Norway’s Atlantic Road really looks like a road to nowhere. But don’t worry; it’s just an optical illusion. Regardless of the fact that the bridge is totally safe to drive, it made many drivers freak out and turn their cars around.
7. The Python Bridge, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This bridge will swallow you whole. Just kidding! But it does look like a giant snake though. The Python Bridge is one of the newest and most unusual bridges in Amstardam. It connects Borneo Island and Sporenburg.
8. The Chengyang Wind And Rain Bridge, Sanjiang County, China
The bridge is like a long passage covered with a wooden roof and five pavilions. These pavilions were built to provide shelter to people from wind and rain. What makes this bridge so unique is that no nails were used during its construction. There are railings and benches on both sides of the bridge that provide a resting area for passers-by.
9. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge built in the 14th century to connect the Old Town and the Lesser Town. It is said that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction of the bridge. There is a tower standing on each end of the bridge which gives a great view of Prague and the bridge from above.
10. The Moon Bridge, Taipei, Taiwan
This quirky beautiful bridge can be found in the in DaHu (Big Lake) Park in Taipei, Northern Taiwan. It was designed in such a way that the reflection of it in still water and the arch itself form a circle that symbolizes the moon.
11. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kedah, Malaysia
This steel pedestrian skybridge allows visitors to take a scenic stroll high above the lush forests of the Gunung Mat Chinchang mountain. It is located at the ‘end’ of a cable car ride which begins at the Oriental Village at the foot hill of the Machincang mountain range. The bridge is suspended by a single massive pylon and has two triangular sightseeing platforms so the visitors can rest and admire the view.
