{"id":20570,"date":"2017-10-03T10:00:02","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T09:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=20570"},"modified":"2017-10-04T09:39:10","modified_gmt":"2017-10-04T08:39:10","slug":"iconic-bridges-around-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/iconic-bridges-around-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Cross That Bridge When You Get to It: Iconic Bridges Around the World."},"content":{"rendered":"

Although often a necessary part of travel, there are certain bridges around the world that take our breath away. Some are engineering and architectural feats to delight at and become heavily photographed. We cover some of the most iconic bridges around the world that you\u2019ll want to cross in your hire car on your next trip away.<\/p>\n

\"Bridges:Ponte Vecchio, Italy. Photo by: Kavalenkava\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Ponte Vecchio, Italy<\/h2>\n

This medieval bridge over the Arno River was the only bridge in Florence<\/a> to survive World War 2. Its name translates as \u201cold bridge\u201d. Uniquely from those on the list, you\u2019ll find shops along this example. It\u2019s said that this was where bankruptcy originated, from when merchants couldn\u2019t pay debts and so soldiers would break their tables; a term called bancorotto<\/em> (broken table). It was once popular to affix padlocks, \u201clove locks\u201d, to parts of the bridge; a now fineable offense if caught locking something to the fence of the bridge due to the damage the excess weight causes after a build-up.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesRialto Bridge, Italy. Photo by: sborisov\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Rialto Bridge, Italy<\/h2>\n

This is one of four bridges crossing the Grand Canal in Venice<\/a> but it\u2019s the oldest. Construction was completed in 1591 with some architects predicting a future collapse as the structure was considered so bold. The 7.5-meter arch was built on over 12,000 wooden pilings and designed to allow galleys pass underneath. Pedestrians can cross the bridge along either balustrade, or in the central walkway that contains small shops selling local goods. The route is mostly steps so not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Another one to park up your hire car nearby.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesAlc\u00e1ntara Bridge, Spain. Photo by: juan_aunion\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Alc\u00e1ntara Bridge, Spain<\/h2>\n

Crossing the Tagus River in Alc\u00e1ntara, this stone arch bridge was built between 104-106AD by an order of the Roman emperor Trajan. Much damage has been done to the bridge over the years due to wars which has led to many repairs. The bridge is 194 meters long and 71 meters high. The Triumph Arch sits in the middle of the bridge, across the road.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesCharles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic. Photo by: Aliaksei\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Charles Bridge, Czech Republic<\/h2>\n

A stone Gothic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague<\/a>, construction finished in the beginning of the 15th century despite it starting in 1357. It was the only means of crossing the river until 1841 so it became an incredibly important route between Prague Castle and the Old Town. It has become one of the most visited sites in Prague, and was once the location for one of our Friday Teaser\u2019s on Facebook*. It\u2019s 621 meters in length but can only be traversed by pedestrians. 30 statues created in baroque style line the bridge. The originals dating to around 1700 are now in the National Museum, with replicas having taken their places on the bridge.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesStari Most, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo by: Sergil Figurnyi\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Stari Most, Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/h2>\n

Another name translating as \u201cOld Bridge\u201d, this crosses the River Neretva in the city of Mostar. The original structure was built in 1566 but was destroyed during the Croat-Bosniak War in 1993. The new structure as it appears now opened in 2004. There is an annual diving competition on the bridge at the end of July. It has become traditional for young men from the town to dive into the cold waters below, something that only experienced divers should consider due to the risks involved. The bridge has recently become a tour stop in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesBrooklyn Bridge, New York. Photo by: SeanPavonePhoto\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Brooklyn Bridge, USA<\/h2>\n

Connecting Manhattan<\/a> and Brooklyn, this suspension bridge spanning the East River opened in 1883, making it one of the oldest bridges in the US. It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge constructed. As well as being accessible to cars, there\u2019s a wide walkway to allow cyclists and pedestrians across. It\u2019s been a National Historic Landmark since 1964, and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark since 1972. It\u2019s been used in many famous films, among which include Godzilla<\/em>, The Avengers<\/em>, Independence Day<\/em>, and I Am Legend<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesCornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, USA. Photo by: alwoodphoto\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Cornish-Windsor Bridge, USA<\/h2>\n

This covered bridge between Cornish and Windsor over the Connecticut River has a unique charm and quirkiness. Its 62-meters make it the longest covered wooden bridge open to cars in America<\/a>. In 1866, its construction cost was $9000. Bridges in this location prior had been destroyed by floods. It was rebuilt in 1988 due to deterioration, costing $4,450,000, and is a National Civil Engineering Landmark.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesGolden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA. Photo by: maislam\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Golden Gate Bridge, USA<\/h2>\n

One of the most recognisable structures in the world, if not only for its colour. Painted a distinctive orange to help visibility in the fog, it stands at 746 feet tall and is 1.7 miles long. The construction cost around $35 million. It has been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The bridge has been used as a filming location for a range of films including Herbie Rides Again<\/em>, Star Trek: The Motion Picture<\/em> (and various sequels), The Day the Earth Stood Still<\/em>, and A View to a Kill<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesGreat Belt Bridge, Denmark. Photo by: timbrandtphoto\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Great Belt Bridge, Denmark<\/h2>\n

Bringing Zealand and Funen together in Denmark<\/a>, are two bridges, together called the Great Belt Bridge. Between the two lay the island Sprog\u00f8. The East Bridge, between Zealand and Sprog\u00f8, is a 1624-meter suspension bridge, the third longest span in the world. The two pylons on this bridge are the highest points on self-supporting structures in Denmark at 254 meters above sea level. The West Bridge, one side for rail traffic, the other for road traffic, is 6611 meters long.<\/p>\n

\"Bridges\u00d8resund Bridge, Denmark\/Sweden. Photo by: TobiasW\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00d8resund Bridge, Denmark\/Sweden<\/h2>\n

This 16km railway and motorway bridge connects the two countries and consists of a bridge, a tunnel and an artificial island, Peberholmen. The bridge is the largest combined road and rail bridge in Europe. You will have to pay a toll to traverse the bridge but it’s a real experience. From the sky, the bridge just disappears into the water as it becomes the Drogden Tunnel. While building the bridge, 16 unexploded World War 2 bombs were discovered.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesKapellbr\u00fccke, Switzerland. Photo by: Jan Schuler\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Kapellbr\u00fccke (Chapel Bridge), Switzerland<\/h2>\n

Pedestrians can cross the Reuss River in Lucerne thanks to this 204-meter long bridge. It\u2019s the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe, having been constructed in 1333. It\u2019s also the world\u2019s oldest truss bridge. Inside, you\u2019ll find paintings dating back to the 17th century although 2\/3 were destroyed in a fire in 1993. These paintings on the interior triangular frames are a feature unique to Switzerland. The bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) but is not used to store water, merely named this way because it stands in the water. Although now mostly closed off to the public, it was once a prison, torture chamber and an archive. It houses a tourist gift shop.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesSydney Harbour Bridge, Australia. Photo by: livetraveling\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia<\/h2>\n

Locally known as \u201cthe coat-hanger\u201d, you\u2019re sure to recognise this bridge spanning Sydney<\/a> Harbour. The 134-meter high bridge opened in 1932 and remains the world\u2019s tallest steel arch bridge. Over 1,000 men were needed across the 8 years it took to complete construction. One of the biggest draws of the bridge for tourists is the Bridge Climb; take a guided tour to the very top, learning more about its history. It\u2019s even possible to get married at the top! New Year\u2019s Eve sees fireworks placed along the bridge, ready to be lit for the celebrations.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesTower Bridge, London. Photo by: ryanking999\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Tower Bridge, UK<\/h2>\n

Not to be confused with the London Bridge which is a separate structure. This suspension and bascule bridge was built between 1886 and 1894. Its two towers are 65-meters high and the bridge length is 244-meters. It\u2019s possible to book a walk along the top walkway and look down through a glass floor at the road below. Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to visit the towers, high-level walkways, and the Victorian engine rooms. In 2012, the bridge featured heavily in publicity for the Summer Olympics, held in London, with a set of Olympic rings suspended from the bridge.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesMillau Viaduct, France. Photo by: FABIEN\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Millau Viaduct, France<\/h2>\n

Renowned as the tallest bridge in the world, it stands taller than the Eiffel Tower at 343-meters high and is 1.5 miles long. It links Narbonne to Clermont-Ferrand over the River Tarn and is the least congested route between Paris<\/a> and the Mediterranean. There is a viewing area for the bridge and a visitor centre which serves Michelin-star quality food, perfect for relaxing with a view of the viaduct. The bridge received the 2006 Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.<\/p>\n

\"BridgesConfederation Bridge, Canada. Photo by: darlenemunro\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Confederation Bridge, Canada<\/h2>\n

This is the world\u2019s longest bridge crossing ice-covered waters. At 8 miles long, the connection between Prince Edward Island to the mainland at New Brunswick was opened in 1997. Considered one of the most scenic bridges in Canada<\/a>, it\u2019s worth paying the toll and crossing if you get the chance. It helps make day trips from Moncton or Halifax easy, allowing the chance to explore all of Prince Edward Island in a day.<\/p>\n

Book your hire car to reach these fantastic bridges<\/h2>\n

Whichever location you\u2019re headed to, be sure to book your hire car to make sure you can either reach the bridges or drive over them to make the most of the view!<\/p>\n

Have you ever crossed a bridge that you felt was a true feat of engineering and design? Perhaps you\u2019ve been across one of those above? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n

Written by Jessica Juby.<\/em><\/p>\n

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