The Ten Most Beautiful Bridges in the World
by Jesse Fox, Tel Aviv, Israel on 03.25.08
Neatorama, a blog featuring weird, crazy and wonderful stuff from around the Web, has compiled a list of their picks for the ten most beautiful bridges in the world. Bridges are part of our common sustainable infrastructure, and, when designed creatively, can fulfill a variety of functions, in addition to getting us from point A to point B.
The Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran (above), was built in the 17th century as an integrated transportation and water management tool, as well as being a stunning architectural achievement and cultural artifact. The bridge, number 10 on Neatorama's list, also functions as a dam, which, when closed, raises the water level of the Zayandeh River, irrigating gardens along its banks.
9. Pont du Gard, southern France.
8. Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy.
7. Iron Bridge, Shropshire, England.
The list also includes some surprises, with the more prosaic "covered bridges" coming in at number 6. Over ten thousand of these bridges were built in 19th century North America, back when lumber was plentiful (not many TreeHuggers back then) and cheap, or free. Pictured above is the West Montrose Covered Bridge on the Grand River, Ontario, Canada.
At number 5 is the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, the only bridge on the list whose design is based on a mixed use urban street. Here it is at night:
Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio was financed by renting out space along its roadway to merchants. Later covered with a roofed passageway, the bridge's appearance is the result of centuries of haphazard additions.
Number 4 on the list is the stunning Wind and Rain Bridge, built by the Dong ethnic group in China.
3. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City.
2. Tower Bridge, London, England.
And the most beautiful bridge of all: the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Undoubtedly an icon and a great feat of engineering - but perhaps a slightly predictable choice?
Not satisfied? For a more unconventional perspective, check out these two other sites' opinions on the greatest and most interesting bridges here and here.
Via:: Neatorama
Covered bridges were NOT built that way because "lumber was plentiful (not many TreeHuggers back then) and cheap, or free. "
They were covered so that the shingled roof would protect the valuable timbers.
I went to the bridge in Florence this summer, and let me tell you, they did at least one thing right during the Middle Ages. That bridge was spectacular and a great use of somewhat limited space. Brilliant all around.
Pedestrian only, too.
These bridges are beautiful! I absolutely love the mix use bridge in Florence, Italy. What a great use of space.
The additions to the Ponte Vecchio were hardly haphazard. They were very calculated moves by Cosimo I de Medici during the Florentine ducal period. The roofed passageway on the upper floor of the bridge is part of the Vasari Corrido, which was a quasi-secret passage for the Medici dukes and family to move between the government buildings and the ducal palace, should civil unrest or other dangers prevent them from moving. The shops underneath were rented out to handpicked Medici-friendly gold merchants in the town, ensuring that the Duke would be moving over the property of his wealthy, therefore well protected, and amicable neighbors should he need to take such a stroll. Politicians of the past were no less tricky than their contemporary ilk., especially the Medici.
How typically American to pick an American bridge as the most beautiful in the world. Come on, I like the Golden Gate as much as the next person, but it's got nothing on The Khaju Bridge.