Famous Bridges

Famous Bridges – The Most Famous Bridge in the World

Bridges serve a very important role in our world by connecting otherwise divided areas, enabling people to move easily and conveniently. Some of the most famous bridges are renowned for their technical achievements, while other popular bridges are famed for their beauty. What are the most famous suspension bridges and the most famous beam bridge in the world? Let’s find out by exploring our list of popular bridges in search of the most famous bridge in the world!

 

 

In Search of the Most Famous Bridge in the World

No matter whether the obstacle is a lake, river, or valley, famous bridges have allowed us to explore and move to new territories that would have otherwise proven very difficult to reach. Even though they serve the same basic function, popular bridges can be found in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. There are famous suspension bridges, arch bridges, cantilever bridges, truss bridges, bascule bridges, and famous beam bridges. But, what is the most famous bridge in the world?

Examples of Popular BridgesLondon Tower Bridge (1894) in London, United Kingdom; Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Ponte Vecchio Bridge (1345) in Florence, Italy

Date Constructed1345
ArchitectNeri di Fioravante (d. 1374)
Bridge TypeArch bridge
Length (meters)95
LocationFlorence, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio, erected on the Arno River in Florence, is one of the world’s oldest arch bridges from the medieval period. This historic bridge is said to have been erected in Roman times; it’s mentioned in a 996 CE text, and the present bridge was restored in 1345. It is Florence’s sole bridge that remained after World War II. When the Germans left during World War II, the bridge was luckily spared damage. It is still a popular tourist destination for art enthusiasts and photographers today. Visitors flock to the bridge to purchase art, jewelry, and souvenirs, making it a famous shopping destination.

It is thought that the economic idea of bankruptcy started here: when a trader could not pay his debt, guards destroyed the table on which he sold his merchandise, and this action was known as “bancorotto”, which translates to “broken table”.

The Most Famous BridgesPonte Vecchio Bridge (1345) in Florence, Italy; Macieklew, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Chapel Bridge (1365) in Lucerne, Switzerland

Date Constructed1365
ArchitectUnknown
Bridge TypeWooden truss bridge
Length (meters)204
LocationLucerne, Switzerland

The Chapel Bridge is a famous truss bridge that crosses the Reuss River in Lucerne, the beautiful Swiss city. The bridge, named after the neighboring St. Peter’s Church, is remarkable in that it has a multitude of interior paintings that have been dated all the way back to the 17th century, but many of these, in addition to a larger portion of the centuries-old bridge, were lost in a terrible fire in 1993. It was later renovated and is now Europe’s oldest wooden covered bridge in addition to being the oldest extant truss bridge in the world. It is the city of Lucerne’s symbol and among Switzerland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Famous Suspension Bridge ExampleChapel Bridge (1365) in Lucerne, Switzerland; A.Savin, FAL, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Charles Bridge (1402) in Prague, Czech Republic

Date Constructed1402
ArchitectPeter Parler (1330 – 1399)
Bridge TypeStone footbridge
Length (meters)516
LocationPrague, Czech Republic

Charles Bridge is a famous Gothic bridge and ranked among Europe’s most magnificent. It is also among the Czechoslovakia Republic’s oldest bridges still intact spanning the Vltava River in Prague. The Charles Bridge is said to have endured several catastrophes and seen many historical events throughout its existence. The bridge’s original construction began around 1357. Charles Bridge is a historical bridge known for its breathtaking views of the city and gorgeous Gothic architecture. It is also well-known for the 30 baroque statues that line the bridge’s sides and portray various historical people and saints. 

It is also well-known among travelers, who are drawn to the panoramic views of Prague as well as the lively ambiance of the bridge, which features artists, street performers, and merchants selling gifts.

Famous Beam Bridge ExamplesCharles Bridge (1402) in Prague, Czech Republic; Nice0205, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Rialto Bridge (1591) in Venice, Italy

Date Constructed1591
ArchitectAntonio da Ponte (1512 – 1597)
Bridge TypeStone arch bridge
Length (meters)28
LocationVenice, Italy

The Rialto Bridge was actually not the first bridge constructed at this spot. The original bridge was erected in the 12th century as a pontoon bridge to link the two banks of the Grand Canal. It was eventually replaced with a wooden bridge, which was consumed in a fire in 1310. The present stone bridge was erected in 1591 and has been in service ever since! It was the biggest bridge in Venice at the time of its completion, measuring 28 meters across the Grand Canal. It was also regarded as an engineering wonder because it was Venice’s first single-span bridge. The bridge is a popular tourist destination with two rows of stores and kiosks selling souvenirs, jewelry, and other items. This famous bridge has also played an important part in Venice’s history and culture. It has inspired innumerable paintings, poetry, and songs throughout the years.

Famous Beam Bridge ExampleRialto Bridge (1591) in Venice, Italy; Debashritaiitmandi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Si-o-se Pol Bridge (1602) in Isfahan, Iran

Date Constructed1602
ArchitectAllawardi Khan Andildez (c. 16th century)
Bridge TypeStone arch bridge
Length (meters)298
LocationIsfahan, Iran

The Si-o-se Pol Bridge is ranked as one of Iran’s oldest bridges. It was constructed during the time of Shah Abbas I in the early 17th century to cross the Zayandeh River, which runs through Isfahan. It is considered a monument to the architectural and technical abilities of the Iranian people of the time, and it is now a popular tourist and local destination. It was built under the direction of the armies’ commander-in-chief, Allawardi Khan Andildez. Si-o-se The Pol Bridge was important in Isfahan’s culture and past. It was constructed as part of a bigger complex that featured palaces, gardens, and other magnificent structures, and it served as a gathering space for the Shah and his consorts. 

It has also hosted numerous significant events in Iran’s historical past, such as political rallies and cultural festivities.

Famous Suspension Bridge ExamplesSi-o-se Pol Bridge (1602) in Isfahan, Iran; Corina Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Kintai Bridge (1673) in Iwakuni, Japan

Date Constructed1673
ArchitectHiroyoshi Kikkawa (c. 17th century)
Bridge TypeWooden arch bridge
Length (meters)193
LocationIwakuni, Japan

Kintai Bridge was erected during the Edo era in 1673 by a local lord called Hiroyoshi Kikkawa. It was built to bridge the Nishiki River and connect Iwakuni to a neighboring castle. The bridge consists of five wooden arches reinforced by four stone pillars. Its one-of-a-kind design was designed to make the structure more sturdy and capable of withstanding the river’s powerful currents. Kintai Bridge is a major tourist destination and is regarded as one of Japan’s three most magnificent bridges. Tourists regularly visit the bridge and take in the breathtaking scenery, including Mount Yokoyama. Natural catastrophes and military damage have caused the bridge to be rebuilt multiple times throughout the years. The most recent restoration, in 2004, utilized traditional materials and methods to preserve the historical integrity of this beautiful bridge. The bridge is particularly famous for its cultural value, and it has been recognized as a Japanese National Treasure.

Popular Bridges ExamplesKintai Bridge (1673) in Iwakuni, Japan; Sailko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Brooklyn Bridge (1883) in New York City, United States

Date Constructed1883
ArchitectJohn A. Roebling (1806 – 1869)
Bridge TypeSuspension/cable
Length (meters)1834
LocationNew York City, United States

The Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in 1883, making it one of the country’s oldest suspension bridges. It was also the world’s longest suspension bridge when it was originally constructed, spanning 486 meters across the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge was originally designed by John A. Roebling, who passed away before the work on the bridge could be completed. Washington Roebling, John’s son, took over as head engineer, but he also became sick during its construction, putting his wife, Emily, in charge of the completion of the bridge’s construction. She was a talented and intelligent lady who went on to become an expert in bridge engineering, and she played a critical role in ensuring that the bridge was finished on time and within the designated budget. 

The Brooklyn Bridge is regarded as one of the most popular bridges in the world, because of its creative design, massive dimensions, and breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.

Most Famous Beam BridgeBrooklyn Bridge (1883) in New York City, United States; Martin St-Amant (S23678), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

London Tower Bridge (1894) in London, United Kingdom

Date Constructed1894
ArchitectHorace Jones (1819 – 1887)
Bridge TypeSuspension bridge
Length (meters)244
LocationLondon, United Kingdom

The London Tower Bridge is both a famous suspension bridge as well as a bascule bridge that spans the River Thames close to the Tower of London. The bridge’s construction started in 1886 and was formally inaugurated on the 30th of June 30, 1894, by the royal family of Wales. The renowned London Tower Bridge is a prominent tourist destination in London, among the most visited sights in the world. Two parts of the bridge open around three times a day to allow river traffic to pass through. With its stunning Victorian Gothic design, this iconic landmark is one of the world’s most famous bridges as it provides breathtaking views of the city’s cityscape over the Thames and is located in a historically significant part of the city. The London Tower Bridge has been repaired and upgraded multiple times throughout the decades following its construction, yet it continues to retain its historical value and charm.

Most Famous Suspension BridgeLondon Tower Bridge (1894) in London, United Kingdom; © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons

 

Royal Gorge Bridge (1929) in Colorado, United States

Date Constructed1929
ArchitectGeorge F. Cole (1935 – Present)
Bridge TypeSuspension bridge
Length (meters)384
LocationColorado, United States

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Arkansas River and has a 268-meter span between towers. It was built at Canon City, Colorado, between the 5th of June 5, 1929, and the 29th of November, 1929. Just under 1300 wooden boards cover massive steel structures. It is regarded as an appealing and adventurous tourist destination. There is so much to see and do in this lovely location. Adventurers can enjoy sky coasters, mountain climbing, rafting, and skydiving, as well as other exciting activities at amusement parks. It’s a great place to spend time with your loved ones. It is among the world’s tallest suspension bridges, spanning a rocky canyon that drops over 304 meters to the Arkansas River below. It is also well-known for its distinctive architecture and engineering, as well as the various attractions accessible in the surrounding region, which draws people from all over the world. 

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a must-see site for everyone visiting Colorado.

Most Famous Popular BridgesRoyal Gorge Bridge (1929) in Colorado, United States; Hustvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Sydney Harbour Bridge (1932) in Sydney, Australia

Date Constructed1932
ArchitectJohn Bradfield (1867 – 1843)
Bridge TypeSteel arch bridge
Length (meters)1149
LocationSydney, Australia

During the Great Depression, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was constructed to offer employment for thousands of people looking for work. The bridge, which was regarded as a tremendous engineering marvel at the time, was built by over 1,400 workers. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is also notable for its distinctive color. It was initially gray, but during a 1950s refurbishment, it was decided to paint it a vivid hue of “Harbour Bridge” green. The hue has become an unmistakable trademark of the bridge, and people all around the world recognize it. It is the world’s biggest steel arch bridge as well as among the most renowned. The arch and approach spans are comprised of roughly 53,000 tonnes of steel! The bridge provides a spectacular vista of the famous Sydney Opera House as well as the rest of the beautiful city.

Most Famous BridgesSydney Harbour Bridge (1932) in Sydney, AustraliaBenh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Golden Gate Bridge (1937) in California, United States

Date Constructed1937
ArchitectJoseph Strauss (1870 – 1938)
Bridge TypeSuspension bridge
Length (meters)2737
LocationCalifornia, United States

The Golden Gate Bridge connects Marin County to San Francisco. It took a total of seven years to build and was opened in 1937. It was regarded as the architect Joseph B. Strauss’ masterwork, whose memorial statue now graces the southern viewing deck. The Golden Gate Bridge was not originally intended to be orange. Initially, Irving Morrow, the Golden Gate Bridge’s consultant architect, suggested that it be painted black with yellow stripes to enhance visibility in fog. But, the Chief Engineer and architect Joseph Strauss objected, and they finally landed on a distinctive orange color that has subsequently become one of the bridge’s most iconic aspects. The original design of the bridge was a cumbersome mix of a suspension and cantilever bridge which according to one observer looked like “an upturned rat trap”. It was utilitarian, yet not particularly stylish. 

Strauss decided to reject the design, and he eventually enlisted the help of competing engineers to create a more elegant suspension bridge design.

Famous BridgesGolden Gate Bridge (1937) in California, United States; Rich Niewiroski Jr., CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Confederation Bridge (1997) in Borden-Carleton, Canada

Date Constructed1997
ArchitectJean M. Miller (1926 – 2005)
Bridge TypeBox girder bridge
Length (meters)12900
LocationBorden-Carelton, Canada

Confederation Bridge was built over ice-covered water between October 1993 and May 1997. It links the provinces of Prince Edward Island and Brunswick. This magnificent bridge is one of the most awe-inspiring feats of engineering and construction. It has made fishermen, farmers, businesspeople, and residents’ lives more convenient and predictable by providing access to Canada’s mainland. To maintain the safety of individuals and vehicles, inspections and maintenance are performed every year The Confederation Bridge is well-known for its incredible design, which has 65 concrete pillars and a curving form that follows the natural curvature of the seafloor. The bridge is particularly notable for its length, which is roughly 13 kilometers long from one side to another. The Northumberland Strait Bridge is a key transit link for visitors and locals alike, providing a picturesque and easy route to traverse the Northumberland Strait.

Famous Beam BridgeConfederation Bridge (1997) in Borden-Carleton, Canada; Colin Bowern from Waterdown, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Vasco da Gama Bridge (1998) in Lisbon, Portugal

Date Constructed1998
ArchitectMichel Virloguex (1946 – Present)
Bridge TypeViaduct, suspension, and cable-stayed bridge
Length (meters)17185
LocationLisbon, Portugal

The Vasco Da Gama Bridge is regarded as a modern feat of architecture and engineering. It was built between 1995 and 1998 as part of Portugal’s effort to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s trip. It is situated north of Lisbon, crossing the Tagus River. It is one of Europe’s longest bridges, with a total length of roughly 12 kilometers and six car lanes with a combined width of 30 meters. The Vasco da Gama Bridge connects the rural south bank of Lisbon to the urbanized metropolis. The Vasco da Gama Bridge was built to alleviate Lisbon’s heavy traffic congestion and has since grown to become a local landmark. 

It has beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside, making it a popular tourist destination.

Famous Suspension BridgeVasco da Gama Bridge (1998) in Lisbon, Portugal; F Mira from Lisbon, Portugal, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (1998) in Awaji, Japan

Date Constructed1998
ArchitectSatoshi Kashima (c. 20th century)
Bridge TypeSuspension bridge
Length (meters)3911
LocationAwaji, Japan

At a length of 3,911 meters, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is among the world’s longest suspension bridges. This famous suspension bridge connects the city of Kobe to Awaji Island in west-central Japan. It was built between 1988 and 1998 and was the world’s longest at the time of its construction. This famous suspension bridge is not only extraordinarily long but is also built to resist earthquakes of up to 8.5 magnitudes. It has over 1,700 lights that illuminate it all year, providing a beautiful light show that can be viewed from afar. The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, which spans the Akashi Strait, is most noteworthy for its length. It is presently the world’s second-longest suspension bridge. The center part of the bridge was initially only 1,990 meters long, but due to the Kobe earthquake on the 17th of January, 1995, the two towers were shifted and the span had to be extended by one meter.

Popular BridgesAkashi-Kaikyo Bridge (1998) in Awaji, Japan; Pinqui, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Millau Viaduct Bridge (2004) in Creissels, France

Date Constructed2004
ArchitectMichel Virlogeux (1946 – Present)
Bridge TypeCable stay bridge
Length (meters)2480
LocationCreissels, France

The Millau Viaduct Bridge is regarded as among the greatest engineering feats of modern times, and it is the world’s highest cable-stay bridge. The construction started on the 16th of October, 2001, and it was formally inaugurated on the 16th of December, 2004. Since its opening, it has grown to become one of France’s most recognized attractions. The Millau Viaduct Bridge is recognized for its distinctive and inventive design, as well as its astonishing height, which makes it a popular tourist destination. It was designed to endure harsh weather conditions such as severe winds and earthquakes, and it employs cutting-edge materials and building processes to assure its strength and endurance. 

It has received multiple architectural and engineering accolades, including the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineers in 2006.

 

Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge (2011) in Suzhou, China

Date Constructed2011
ArchitectChina Road and Bridge Corporation (1979)
Bridge TypeViaduct bridge
Length (meters)1648
LocationSuzhou, China

Kunshan Grand Bridge is the longest bridge built over water in the world, measuring 165 kilometers in length. After four years of development, the bridge with over 10,000 parts opened in 2011. Its construction cost around $8.5 billion, ranking it among the most pricey bridges ever constructed too. The bridge is one-of-a-kind in that it has a double-track railway on top and a six-lane roadway on the bottom and is part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. This permits both high-speed trains and vehicles to use the bridge at the same time. The bridge’s construction was a significant technical challenge since the area it traverses is susceptible to quakes, typhoons, and other natural catastrophes. To address these concerns, the bridge was designed with a set of seismic isolation bearings that make it capable of withstanding earthquakes of up to 8.0. Magnitude.

 

That completes our list of famous bridges in the world. As we have seen, there are many different types of bridges across the globe, and each one is renowned for different reasons. Which one would you classify as the most famous bridge in the world?

 

 

Take a look at our most famous bridges webstory here!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Which Country Has the Most Famous Bridges?

Several nations across the world have iconic bridges, each with its own distinct history, design, and cultural importance. Yet, if we were to pick only one country recognized for its bridges, we’d have to go with Italy. This renowned country is home to a number of the world’s most iconic and popular bridges, such as Venice’s Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge, Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, and Pisa’s Ponte dei Sospiri.

 

What Is Regarded As the Most Famous Bridge in the World Today?

Because there are so many bridges that attract an enormous amount of visitors each year, determining the most popular bridge in the world is challenging. The Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco, California, though, is a major tourist site. It has grown to be regarded among the world’s most iconic and identifiable structures since its construction in 1937, attracting millions of tourists each year.

 

Cite this Article

Justin, van Huyssteen, “Famous Bridges – The Most Famous Bridge in the World.” Art in Context. May 11, 2023. URL: https://artincontext.org/famous-bridges/

van Huyssteen, J. (2023, 11 May). Famous Bridges – The Most Famous Bridge in the World. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/famous-bridges/

van Huyssteen, Justin. “Famous Bridges – The Most Famous Bridge in the World.” Art in Context, May 11, 2023. https://artincontext.org/famous-bridges/.

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