Across the rivers, along the sea, over the valleys, bridges stand sturdy and strong, as if self-assured and determined in their purpose to connect the poles. They have stood the test of times, and paved the way for armies of people. They are lifelines of a community, they are emblems of a civilization and they are vital to us since they mark progress.

Bridges have existed for time immemorial, and in their most primitive forms as temporary expedient made of wood and timber, but they progressed with time and now we can see world class shining structures in steel and concrete. Here, we have a list of bridges that witnessed some major historic events in human history and evolved with time and now stand before us as timeless pieces from the past.

1. Charles Bridge, Prague

This old, yet sturdy bridge whose foundation was laid in the year 1357 has been a witness to major historic events in Czech Republic. The bridge has stood major wars and damages by flood and other natural disasters, but it’s still a beauty across River Vltava with 30 baroque-style statues erected on both sides of the alley.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney

Image Source: Flickr @shahzinha

The harbour bridge is the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, and joins two ports across Sydney Harbour. The construction of the bridge was important to Australian economy and the opening of the bridge in 1932, is iconic to the development of modern Sydney. It was helpful in infusing a general feeling of optimism in the period of Great Depression among the masses.

3. Rialto Bridge, Venice

As one of the oldest bridges across the Grand Canal in Venice, this pedestrian bridge has seen much damage, reconstruction, revolts, important visitors and criticism, but after 500 years it still seems to stand proud over the waters as an architectural icon of Venice, which is the most visited after St. Mark’s square.

4. Tower Bridge, London

This spectacle has stood on the banks of River Thames since 1894 and exudes brilliant architectural valour. The city gives much importance to the river traffic over the over-bridge traffic and therefore the central span of the bridge is raised approximately 1000 times every year to let the ships pass.

5. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This architectural marvel was built in the years of Great Depression, but even in such financially tough times, people of San Francisco held high hopes with the idea of building the bridge and they put their properties up as security to finance its construction. Must say, highly spirited people!

6. Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

Widely known as the oldest existing truss bridge in the world, this is a must see wooden, covered, foot bridge in the beautiful city of Lucerene. It was built in the year 1333 to defend and fortify the city against any attacks. The bridge exhibits some rare and centuries-old paintings.

7. Pont des Arts, Paris

Image Source: Flickr @Pierre-Louis FERRER

The lovers’ bridge over River Seine was initially a metallic bridge built during the reign of Napolean I in France. Due to the damage caused by bombings in World War I and II, and from the collisions of ships, the bridge recently had to undergo major reconstruction and beatification, but it still emanates an old world charm.

8. London Bridge, London

This bridge connects the embankments of River Thames, and has served as a lifeline to London for centuries. The bridge has been demolished and reconstructed numerous times starting from being made in timber, then stone, while the latest bridge is made up of concrete and steel.

Do let us know if you liked these and if you would like to see any other bridges in this list.

Deepti Ahuja Balani

People professionally know me as a copy editor, correspondent and a writer, but writing is something I do even when I am not professionally engaged. I like to visit new places, explore, experience different cultures and share my perspective through words. Writing for food, travel and books is something that comes naturally, and is close to my heart.

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