Breathtaking Bridges Around The World
More than a simple crossing point, these bridges have a history and magic all their own
Close your eyes and imagine yourself between two worlds – you’re on a bridge that could take you anywhere.
That’s the beauty of bridges – large or small, they offer the promise of escape, of magic, of adventure, of romance. Nowhere is this more true than in the medieval towns of Europe.
Let’s start close to home with Tower Bridge in London. Over 100 years old, its two towers dominate the River Thames, linking the north-east and south-east parts of the UK’s oldest city. Three hundred steps take you up to the walkway that spans the towers, where you can enjoy magnificent views before visiting the Tower Exhibition for a glimpse into the history of its construction.
We’ll cross the channel now, to Paris, and Pont Neuf, once “new” but now, at over 400 years old, the oldest of the 37 bridges that span the Seine. It’s seen the best and worst of Paris history – just standing on its white stone arches evokes scenes of pageantry, the sights, sounds and smells of market stalls and the clamour of rich and poor, aristocrats, merchants and pickpockets alike as they crossed the bridge going about their daily business. With stunning views of both the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, it’s as much of a must-see in Paris as the famous Pont Des Arts bridge. Once covered in thousands of lovers’ padlocks, that’s now a canvas for padlock-related graffiti – less likely to bring the bridge tumbling down!
From Paris, we’ll travel to Venice, where the famous Bridge of Sighs provided inspiration for many a poet.
Our own Lord Byron christened it the Bridge of Sighs after learning its legend of prisoners taking their last look at Venice as they crossed from the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace to the cells of the New Prison. While this beautiful bridge is visible from the water, you’ll need to book a tour if you want to explore it properly.
In Rome, a popular bridge
with tourists is the Ponte Sant’Angelo, whose history dates back nearly 2,000 years. As Easter approaches, we’re reminded by its famous ten stone angels of the different stages of the Passion of Jesus as he made his way up Calvary.
We’ll finish with a visit to one of the most iconic bridges of Eastern Europe. With its stone walkway and lantern lights, The Charles Bridge, Prague, is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll as the sun sets on our exploration.