World's Most Beautiful Bridges: Architecture Meets Art

The Beauty in Bridges

In 1357, King Charles IV - who ruled over lands of the present-day Czech Republic - ordered that a bridge be built across the Vltava River as it flowed through Prague. The Medieval stone overpass wasn't completed until early in the 15th century. It was decorated with 30 lovely statues and monuments most in the baroque style, all of which since then have been replaced by replicas.

As the only means of crossing the Vltava River until 1841, the Charles Bridge provided the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. It made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. In addition, the bridge is located on the historic coronation route of the Bohemian kings.

In the world of architecture, perhaps nothing is more utilitarian than a bridge. Yet just because these spans are built to fill a function doesn't mean they have to be ordinary in design or don't have interesting stories to relate. In fact, some of the world's most prominent architects have used their creative minds to turn structures constructed to fill a very practical purpose into virtual works of art that people may admire as they travel to a destination.

Almost all of these spans are accessible to those who wish to cross them. Any that might present a challenge may be viewed, and admired, from nearby.

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Rialto Bridge

Venice's Rialto Bridge was built during the 16th century, and is the oldest link over that city's Grand Canal. The stone arch structure crosses over the narrowest point of the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. It replaced a wooden pontoon bridge that was designed in 1178, rebuilt in 1255 and 1264 and, after a number of collapses, eventually was replaced by the Rialto Bridge.

Nescio Bridge

The breathtaking Nescio Bridge, which carries pedestrians and cyclists over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in the Netherlands, won three major awards in a two-year span. The curved, steel suspension bridge also is distinctive because it is the longest single cable suspension creation in the Netherlands.

Zubizuri Foot Bridge in Bilboa, Spain

Crossing the Zubizuri foot bridge in Bilboa, Spain is like stepping onto a work of art. This stunning white conduit gracefully arches over the Nervión River. The name "Zubizuri" means "white bridge" and its unique curved design resembles a sailboat floating above the water. The Zubizuri connects Bilbao's Ensanche district with Calle Campo de Volantín, making it both beautiful and practical.

Sheikh Zayed Bridge

In addition to being a masterpiece of modern architecture, Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Bridge is an engineering accomplishment that many believe is the most complex bridge ever built. Its curved arches evoke undulating sand dunes and a dynamic lighting design flows subtle colors across its spine. The road decks are suspended from symmetrical steel arches, creating a wave-like form with a fluid silhouette.

Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge)

Waves also are an important part of the story of the Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge), a foot span in the commercial district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is a cantilever swing bridge, a section of which rotates 90 degrees to allow water traffic to pass. The architect described the design as representing the image of a couple dancing the tango.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

One claim to fame of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary is that it has appeared in a number of popular movie films, including I Spy and Walking with the Enemy. Another is that it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube River in Hungary, connecting the Buda and Pest neighborhoods. Decorations that adorn the structure are made of cast iron, leading to the fact that it is most commonly referred to as the "Chain Bridge."

Helix Bridge

Ornamentation along the Helix Bridge that twists through the heart of Singapore include fritted-glass and perforated steel mesh, which are incorporated into shaded spots for pedestrians. The bridge has four viewing platforms sited at strategic locations which provide views of the Singapore skyline and events taking place within Marina Bay. At night, it's illuminated by a series of lights that highlight the spiral-like structure.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is among the most recognizable man-made handiworks in the world. It spans the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Wonders of the Modern World, and is believed to be the most photographed bridge anywhere.

Brooklyn Bridge

We end with an iconic structure which us renowned primarily for its intriguing history. When the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City was completed in 1883, many people were terrified after a panic on the structure turned into a stampede, leaving 12 people dead. To prove that the bridge was safe, officials paraded 21 elephants across the span. Today, roughly 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians use it to cross the East River every day.

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Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background and expertise.