Bridges seem to be the focus of many tourist pictures. They attract the camera lens as much as doors and waterfalls. Europe has some of the most beautiful bridges in the world and far too many of them to enumerate here but we thought we’d share some of our favorites.
The Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
The chain bridge in Budapest, Hungary like all the bridges in Budapest has been rebuilt more than once. Crossing the Danube bridging the Buda and Pest sides it is easily the most used bridge in Budapest by visitors; with each end spilling into the city’s best attractions. From the bridge itself, you can get a marvelous view of parliament and the river. A few vendors are always tucked in a corner on the bridge selling fabrics and supposedly handmade Hungarian items cornering their customers as they are forced to walk by. The bridge is massive and very impressive and feeds you right into the heart of the city to the best sightseeing and walking.
Ponte Madalena aka Devil’s Bridge, Borgo a Mozzano, Italy
Driving into the Serchio Valley in Lucca, Italy you can find the Devil’s bridge. An absolute marvel of stone masonry, it has stood strong for centuries. Take the time to get out of your vehicle and walk across its steep arc to understand exactly what you would have faced with your cart and mules way back then. A perfect angle for a picture is difficult to get but worth the effort of this beautiful piece of Italian history.
Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
As though walking onto the set of an extravagant Broadway show, as soon as you emerge from the allies of Venice and lay eyes on the Rialto bridge the scene comes alive. The light is different, the colors are richer, the river is buzzing with activity as though chorea graft for your enjoyment. To hang out on the Rialto bridge as the sun goes down is one of the best pleasures Venice has to offer.
Hohenzollern Bridge
Rolling into Cologne Germany by train we slowed as we crossed the Hohenzollern bridge pulling into the station. A peek of downtown and its imposing Cathedral showed itself and a return visit to the bridge by foot was locked in. A fantastic place to start your adventure in Cologne with a great path leading directly into the old section of town, the Hohenzollern bridge also has a popular tradition of having a lock secured to it by tourists, lovers, friends, newlyweds, anyone really, to show their love for Cologne, travel, adventure and life itself.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
You do not visit Florence without setting aside some time to hang out on or in a place with a beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Perfectly balanced spanning the Arno River, it is truly beautiful to behold and may be one of the most photographed bridges in Italy. Open to the fantastic Tuscan sun and sunsets its architecture comes alive at dusk with light reflecting off the water. The bridge is steeped in history and lore, including apparently being specifically avoided by the German army during WW2 under Hitler’s orders. Its edges have been historically lined with merchants displaying their wares on tables out front of their shops. In Roman times, if they could not pay their debt, soldiers would “bancorotto” the merchant by smashing his table to bits. Without a table, the merchant could not do business and bankruptcy was born.
These are just a few of our favorite bridges in Europe. Are there any you’d like to add to this list?
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Omg this is incredible the photos are amazing and the bridges all are beautiful