Charles bridge, Prague
The bridge replaced the Jufith bridge, damaged by the floods in 14th century. The bridge was constructed by the orders of Charles IV and finished in 1402. Overall, there are 30 sculptures of saints placed on its balustrade, most known and also the oldest being the figure of St. John of Nepomuk. The bridge also has two fortified towers on each end.
The Old Bridge, Mostar
Stari Most is actually a reconstruction of Ottoman bridge from 16th century. It crosses the river Neretva and serves as a conection between the two parts of the city. The original bridge stood until 1993 when it was destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak war. The reconstruction was finished in 2004. Nowadays is part of UNESCO World Heritage and known as a symbol of reconciliation and coexistance of different cultures and religions.
Chain bridge, Budapest
Oficially named Széchenyi Chain Bridge, is an iconic bridge over Danube that conects Buda and Pest in the Hungarian capital city. Its construction was ordered by Count István Széchenyi, Hungarian politician from 19th century and was opened in 1849. The name of the bridge derivates from the iron chains on which the roadbed hangs. Its decoration includes lionhead capstones, coat of arms of Hungary and lion sculptures.
Stone bridge, Skopje
The stone bridge is for sure the symbol of Macedonian capital. It was constructed in the Roman Period and reconstructed by many conquerors, the most important of them being sultan Mehmed II. It crosses the Vardar river and divedes the city of Skopje in the Western, European part and Oriental part. In spite of several reconstructions it kept its original appearance.
Chapel bridge, Lucerne
Originally Kapellbrücke, is one of the oldest bridges of Switzerland. It is named after St. Peter’s Chapel and used to be part of city’s fortifications bulit in 14th century. It is known for its marvelous paintings covering the inside part of the roof. These paintings represent city´s history and legends. In 1993 the bridge was destroyed by fire and many of the pictures were burnt.
Rialto bridge, Venice
Known as Ponte di Rialto, is one of the bridges of Grand Canal in Venice. It was built in 16th century by Antonio da Ponte and his nephew. Until 1850s it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It is a stone arch bridge and consists of two inclined ramps with stairs leading to central portico and three walkways (the central, wider one, is surrounded by small shops).
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
It is a Medieval bridge over Arno river in Florence, Italy. It is known for still having shops built along it which was a common practice in Medieval Europe. The current bridge was built in 1350, after the flood destroyed the old one. In 16th century the Vasari corridor was built on top of the shops by the orders of the duke Cosimo I de’ Medici so he wouldn´t need to walk across the crowded bridge.
Triple bridge, Ljubljana
The central bridge was built in 1842 and replaced the old, wooden one. Between 1929 and 1932 the two side bridges were added for the pedestrians by the archtect Jože Plečnik. On both of the side bridges there are stairs that lead to lined terraces along the river Ljubljanica. From 2007 on the bridge is part of pedestrian zone.
