The oldest and most elegant wooden bridge in the world. The oldest bridges in Russia

Article about pedestrian wooden bridge through the Fosha Canal in Trogir. The span structure consists of two oak double-hinged arches with a span of 25 meters with the possibility of simple dismantling. All elements are made of solid oak and are connected with conventional joinery joints. All this was done to fit the bridge into the atmosphere of the ancient city.

Trogir is a small historical Croatian city on Adriatic coast. Approximately 20 km west of Split. Due to its rich architectural and cultural heritage, the historical center of the city is included in the register of the world cultural heritage UNESCO. Historical center The city is located on a small island, about 400 m long and 200 m wide, connected to the mainland by a small stone arched bridge on the north side. The southern side is connected by a steel-reinforced concrete drawbridge to the island of Ciovo.
A new wooden bridge spans the Forsa Canal and connects old town Trogir with parking on the mainland. It is located 600 m west of the existing stone bridge.
The assignment required a wooden bridge in a traditional style with a removable span to allow small vessels to pass under the bridge. To harmonize with the architecture of the old town, only natural wood elements and traditional joinery were allowed to be used.

The arched bridge design was chosen as one of the oldest natural load-bearing systems in the history of construction. In addition, the arch allows small ships to navigate the canal and looks elegant.
The span structure consists of two branches of double-hinged arches 480x680 with a constant radius of 21.7 m, a span of 25 meters. The branches of the arches are located on the sides of the section, and are connected to each other by wooden transverse beams every 0.8 m with a two-layer plank flooring.

The selected double-hinged design of the arched span is not susceptible to foundation settlement. The massive reinforced concrete foundations are hidden under the entrance staircase. The hinges between the arches and the foundation are made of sheet steel.
The arrow of the arches is 4 m, which provided a navigable clearance of 4.5 m. This arrow was chosen based on the balance of aesthetic, pedestrian, navigation and technical requirements.
The width of the passage is 3 m, the total width of the bridge is 4.16 m. The clear distance between the branches of the arches is 3.2 m. The load-bearing elements are made of solid oak with traditional joints. The steel railings with oak handrails are made as transparent as possible.


Each branch of the arch consists of 4 oak beams 240x340 mm, assembled into a section of 480x680 mm. The connection of the branch section is made with stainless steel bolts and tenons. Cross beams act as dowels between the beams. Bolts made of steel with a strength of 360 MPa: horizontal - 20 mm, vertical - 24 mm. The bolts are installed in drilled holes with epoxy resin, the contact surfaces of the oak beams are also coated with epoxy resin. Epoxy resin with fillers is immune to changes in wood moisture content and weather conditions. The bolts are tightened to 12 kN for 20 mm and 15 kN for 24 mm. When calculating the composite section of the arch, only bolts, tenons and cross beams acted as dowels were taken; epoxy resin was not taken into account.
In the longitudinal direction, the beams of the arch are connected by an oblique joint over a length of 1 m. Fig. 5 s. Transmission of longitudinal force is ensured by stainless steel spikes. The joints are spaced along the length, with only one joint in each section. The transverse beam is attached to the arch in the middle of the longitudinal joint of the beams. The axial distance between the joints of the beams in the semi-arch is 3.2 m, i.e. 1.6 m in the arch as a whole.

To avoid bending of straight timbers, great effort was spent searching for oak trees with a natural curvature. Small deviations of the curvature from the design were accepted so that the correction of the initial curvature of the beam would have as little effect as possible on reducing the load-bearing capacity of the arch branches and the span of the structure as a whole. Most of the beams are 7.4 m long and only two beams are 8.5 m long. The curved handrail was also made from naturally curved oak trees.
The overall rigidity of the span is provided by 220x220 mm transverse beams together with a two-layer cross plank deck. They are pinched along the axis of the branches of the arches and cantileverly protrude 0.25 m beyond the plane of the arches (Fig. 5b). The cross-section of the cross beam in the connection is reduced to 120x140 mm, the connection between the cross beam and the arch branch is secured with screws. The net cross-beam cross-section is capable of transmitting bending, torsional and lateral forces. The arrangement of the transverse beams along the axis makes it possible for the branches of the arches to serve as a border for the pedestrian passage.

The plank flooring is made of two perpendicular layers of 30 mm planed boards assembled into a groove. The first layer of boards is longitudinal, the second is transverse. The longitudinal boards are nailed to the transverse beams with nails spaced every 2.4 m, so 50% of the boards are nailed in one section. The second layer is connected with nails at the cross beams and short metal clamps between the cross beams. Additionally, two layers of flooring are glued together with epoxy resin.
Longitudinal and transverse forces are transferred from the timber arches to the concrete foundation through galvanized support hinges (Fig. 5e). The upper balancer of the hinge covers the heel of the arch with a metal clip, the lower balancer is fixed in the concrete foundation with 4 rods 32x1400 mm. The support joint balancers are connected through a 50 mm pin.

Proper drying of the wood required special attention and a lot of time. Drying was carried out in a drying installation with continuous monitoring of changes in humidity in the depth of the cross-section of each branch of the arch and regulation of temperature and air humidity. The drying of the wood was carried out with high quality, with only a few cracks appearing on the elements of the completed bridge. Rice. 6 shows changes in humidity along the cross-sectional height of the arch branches during drying. Temperature and humidity changed from 32 to 36°C and from 50 to 56%, respectively.

Because the bridge is subject to weathering, protecting the wooden elements of the structure is very important to ensure the operational reliability and longevity of the wooden bridge. Therefore, after adjustment and control assembly, all elements were sandblasted to remove all weak layers of wood. After that, all wooden elements were lowered into a bath with a preservative composition against fungi, insects, humidity and other harmful effects. Impregnation with colorless fungicide was carried out by a single immersion. Then a weather-resistant coating was applied in two dips. The wide cracks were further moistened and filled with liquid mortar and a durable plastic sealant. The last layer of protection, carried out in the workshop, consisted of immersing the elements in a protective matte varnish.
During the final assembly process, all contact wood surfaces were coated with epoxy and all screw holes were filled. The screws and tenons were also dipped in epoxy before installation. After completing the assembly of the bridge, the protective layer was restored in places of damage, and additionally the entire structure was covered with a layer of varnish. In the future, it is planned to cover the wood with at least two layers of protective varnish every two years.

Some calculation provisions
The bridge was calculated and designed in accordance with Eurocodes. The structure was modeled by the spatial elements of arches, cross beams and plank. The deck above the transverse beams was not included in the calculation of the load-bearing capacity of the bridge and thus increases the safety factor. The work of the deck was taken into account only when calculating horizontal displacements by increasing the transverse bending stiffness of the arch.
For the longitudinal joints of the elements of the arch branches, a friction coefficient of 0.6 was adopted when calculating rigidity (displacement) and 0.5 when checking the stress state. All symmetric and asymmetric loading schemes with a pedestrian load of 5 kN/m2 are considered. The wind load is assumed to be a wind speed of 180 km/h in the direction of the bridge axis and vertically. The effect of humidity fluctuations was modeled as a uniform temperature change of ±30 °C along the length of the elements, and a non-uniform change of ±10 °C along the height of the section of the wooden elements.
The horizontal interval of the design elements of the arch is 20 mm. Base acceleration for seismic analysis 0.25 g. Seismic forces are calculated by the superposition method using the first 20 free vibration modes. The accepted value of the work coefficient is 2.0. The ship pile-up is assumed to be 100 kN of static lateral horizontal forces at the crown of the arch. Bending moments, torques, longitudinal and transverse forces of all loads for transverse beams in connection with an arch, net cross-section of the transverse beam 0.12x0.14 m.
The load-bearing capacity of the span is significantly higher because the deck was not included in the calculation. The vertical movements of the arch are small due to its rigidity. There are no problems with vibration under pedestrian load, because the calculated frequency of the first vibration mode of the bridge is 3.5 Hz.

Construction and Conclusion
The base under the foundations was strengthened using the “jet-grouting” technology, injecting liquid binder into the soil under high pressure. The support is concreted “dry” with pumping out of leaked water from the pit.
All wooden structures of the bridge were made at the factory (Fig. 7), and control assembly of the arches and cross beams was carried out (Fig. 8). Then the span was completely assembled on the site near the bridge (Fig. 9). Afterwards, the entire span was placed on supporting hinges using a truck crane (Fig. 10). And finally, stone approach stairs, railings with oak handrails, and other finishing works were built. The completed bridge is shown in
rice. 11 and 12.

Rice. 11. Completed bridge. Facade

Rice. 12. Completed bridge.

Customer: Trogir Administration
Design: Professor Jure Radnic PhD, Radnic d.o.o., Split
Construction:
Superstructure: Naprijed Sinj d.o.o., Sinj
Foundation
And a stone staircase: “Point d.o.o.”, Split
Technical control: Kozina projekt d.o.o., Trilj

Bridge indicators
Oak forest, m3 38.0
Concrete, m3 112.0
Rebar, t 11.2
Cost, thousand EUR 300.0
Delivery date, June 2006

The U Bein Bridge crosses Lake Tauntome and is rightfully considered a landmark of Myanmar. The longest and oldest bridge on the planet is entirely made of local teak wood. At sunset, when its graceful structure is pierced by the rays of the setting sun, the bridge looks indescribably beautiful. The “water road” was built in 1850 and has a length of 1200 m. It connects the city of Mandalay, which is the second largest in Myanmar, and the capital, Amarapura.

During the construction of the bridge, wooden trunks were used that remained from the former royal palace. In total, 1086 logs were used to create the bridge, and each of them was numbered using a special sign. However, time has not been kind to some of the trunks, and they have rotted. Concrete structures were installed in their place.

The lake's water content is subject to significant fluctuations depending on the season. During the rainy season, from July to August, Tauntome floods heavily and then the bridge becomes of utmost importance for local residents. In the cold season, not fed by rain, the lake takes on a very modest size.

The bridge against the backdrop of the setting sun is a breathtaking sight, appreciated by tourists. Many people come to Myanmar to see him. The popularity of the bridge has become an additional source of income for local population, who, in addition to selling souvenirs, make extra money by taking tourists in boats to the middle of the lake, from where the structure looks the most picturesque and makes an incredible impression.

Photo beginning 1850s All Saints (Kamenny; Bolshoi Kamenny) Bridge (built in the 1680s)

Photo 1852 by R. Fenton. He's the same

Photo con. 1860s Stone (All Saints; Bolshoy Kamenny) bridge. The second stone bridge on this site (built in the late 1850s).

Photo from the 1900s. Maly Kamenny Bridge over the Kanavka (Drainage Canal).

Photo beginning 1910s He's the same

Photo con. 1890s - early 1900s Moskvoretsky Bridge

Photo con. 1890s It's him.

Photo con. 1889 - beginning 1890s Bolshoi Ustinsky Bridge (built in 1881 according to the design of engineer V.N. Speyer).

Photo from the 1900s. He's the same

Photo con. 1860 - 1870s On the right in the photo is the Cast Iron Bridge over the Kanavka (built in the 1830s).

Photo beginning 1880s He's the same

Photo from 1908. Komissariatsky Bridge on Kanavka. It was located downstream than the current one, which is a continuation of the Ustinsky Bridge. The photo was taken after the Easter flood of 1908.

Photo beginning 1890s Babiegorodskaya Dam

Photo 1934 Crimean Bridge

Photo beginning 1930s He's the same

Photo 1907 Krasnokholmsky Bridge

Photo from 1908. Krasnokholmskaya Dam

Photo from 1934. Bolshoi Krasnokholmsky Bridge.

Photo from the 1900s. Novospassky Bridge

Photo con. 1900s All Saints pontoon bridge near the Simonov Monastery. I wrote a lot about this bridge at one time (see the tag “mysterious All Saints Bridge”).

Photos from 1910 - 1920s. He's the same

Photo from 1907. Alekseevsky (Kozhukhovsky, now Danilovsky) bridge.

Photo from 1907. The same one.

Photo 1908 Dorogomilovsky (Borodinsky) Bridge

Photo from 1911. Demolition of the old Borodino Bridge

Photo con. 1900 - 1910s Krasnoluzhsky (Nikolaevsky; Nicholas II) bridge. Railway bridge across the Moscow River. Built in 1905-1907, according to the design of engineer L. D. Proskuryakov and architect A. N. Pomerantsev. In 2000 it was moved 2 km. Nowadays it is the Bohdan Khmelnitsky pedestrian bridge.

Photo con. 1900 - 1910s He's the same

Photo from the 1910s. He's the same

Photo from 1905. Temporary railway wooden bridge of the engineer system. Lembke - the forerunner of the St. Andrew's (Sergievsky) Bridge

Photo 1904-1905 He's the same

Photo from 1908. Andreevsky (Sergievsky) Bridge. Railway bridge over the Moscow River. Built in 1905-1907, according to the design of engineer L. D. Proskuryakov and architect A. N. Pomerantsev. Now, moved downstream and reconstructed, there is the pedestrian Pushkinsky Bridge.

Bridges over the Yauza

Photo from the 1930s. Old Yauzsky (Astakhovsky) Bridge (built in 1876 on the supports of the 1805 bridge).

Photo 1938 by B. Ignatovich. He's in the middle ground. It will be dismantled in 1940, and in its place a new bridge will be built, which is still in operation today.

Photo from 1929. Bridge over the Yauza at Serebryanichesky Lane

Photo from 1902. Vysoko-Yauzsky (High) bridge.

Photo of 1887 from the albums of N. A. Naidenov. He's the same

Photo 1935 Kostomarovsky Bridge

Photo from the 1870s. Colorized photo. Andronikov Viaduct - railway bridge

Photo 1888. Aka

Photo from the 1890s. He's the same

Photo from the 1900s. Palace (Lefortovo) Bridge. The oldest of all operating Moscow bridges (and is located over the river). Built in the 1770-1790s. Although, of course, it was later reconstructed, but without demolition.

Photo 1919. Aka

Photo 1907 Hospital Bridge

Photo from the 1930s. Hospital Bridge

Photo from the 1930s. Sailor's Bridge

Photo from the 1930s. Rubtsovsky (Pokrovsky; now Elektrozavodsky) bridge

Photo of 1896. Moscow-Kazan Bridge railway(now here is the Elektrozavodsky railway bridge)

10.01.2019 - 11:38

We have all heard about various ancient buildings, but most of them are now just tourist attractions and are not used for their intended purpose. However, there are several bridges built hundreds and even thousands of years ago, along which people and vehicles actively move. Bridges are often destroyed during disasters, wars, burned down and exploded, but the structures on this list have survived centuries.

The ancient Romans created many things that have stood the difficult test of time. Thanks to their amazing technology, structures built in the Roman era still stand today. One of them is the Fabricius Bridge in Rome.

The bridge was created by Lucius Fabricius in 62 BC to replace a burnt wooden bridge. It is curious that for more than 2000 years of existence, the bridge has practically not been repaired.

Bridge Ponte Vecchio is in Italian city Florence. It was built in 1345 to replace a wooden bridge located at the narrowest point of the Arno River. It is still as magnificent as it was centuries ago.

Ponte Vecchio was originally used as a place for shopping arcades- it housed meat and fish shops so that the smell of slaughter would not disturb the townspeople.

There is a version that it was here that the concept of “bankruptcy” originated. When the merchant had nothing to pay off his debts with, the counter on which he placed his goods (“banco”) was broken (“rotto”) by the guards. This practice became known as “bancorotto”, because without a counter the merchant was no longer able to sell anything.

King Ferdinand I banned the trade in fish and meat on the bridge in the 18th century, and since then jewelry and, later, souvenir shops began to be located on it.

It is curious that during World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence that was not blown up by the Nazis.

The Rialto Bridge is located in Venice and serves as a crossing over the famous Grand Canal. In its place there were many other wooden bridges that were destroyed by fires, and in the 16th century it was decided to build a stone bridge.

It was created by the little-known architect Antonio de Ponte. Even before construction began, the project was criticized, and after the construction of the bridge, many predicted that it would soon collapse. However, centuries have passed, and the post still stands in its place.

Russian traveler P. A. Tolstoy wrote about him at the end of the 17th century:

“In Venice there are many green bridges, stone and wooden, between which there is one stone bridge very great and wide, which the Italians call Arialtom. On that bridge, on both sides, there are shops selling all sorts of small goods. Behind that bridge there are great rows in which they sell silver vessels and cloth. Great ships with goldfinches can approach under that bridge, because that bridge is very high, built on one arch and with a fair amount of work. The Venetian people are divided in two: those who live on the other side of this named Arialtu Bridge, where the church of the team of St. Mark is, are called churches; and those who live from those behind that great bridge, they are called Nikoliots, and have secret enmity among themselves over time. And there are great fist fights between the vile people of the Nicoliots and the Castellans. On that famous great bridge, in those fist fights, there is a lot of mortal killing.”

This arched stone pedestrian bridge over the Zayandeh River is located in the Iranian city of Isfahan. The Khaju Bridge consists of 24 arches, its length is 133 meters and its width is 12 meters. The bridge has two tiers decorated with tiles. It was built in 1650 - on the foundation of an old bridge. This structure performs three functions at once - at the same time it is a dam, a resting place and serves as a crossing point for the river. In the middle of the bridge there is a pavilion for the ruler - Shah Abbas II, in which he rested, admiring the river.

This bridge, also known as the Bridge of Sighs, is located in Yemen. Built in the 17th century, the Shahara Bridge connects two mountains over a deep gorge. There are villages on every mountain, and before the bridge was built, it was very difficult for their residents to communicate with each other.

This bridge is one of Yemen's main tourist attractions and is featured on the 10 rial coin.

Cendere Bridge is located in Turkey. It was built in the 2nd century AD by the Romans. This is one of the longest arch bridges era ancient Rome– its length is about 120 meters. It rests on two rocks and consists of 92 stones. The bridge was created in honor of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, his wife Julia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta. On each side of the bridge there are columns that are erected in honor of the emperor and his wife (on one side) and their children (on the other side). Currently there is no column in honor of Goeth. When Caracalla came to power, he killed Geta and tried to erase any mention of him - and Geta's column was destroyed.

Anji Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in China, built in 605 AD. Its name can be translated as “safe passage”. At that time it was the most technically advanced bridge in the country, with the largest arch. Interestingly, modern engineers appreciated this bridge; it even received awards from the American Society of Engineering. The bridge has survived ten floods, eight wars and large number earthquakes, while it was repaired only nine times.

The bridge over the Tiber River, built by Emperor Hadrian in 136 AD, is one of the most famous bridges in Rome and one of the most beautiful. It is lined with marble slabs. This bridge leads to the Castel Sant'Angelo, on top of which is a statue of the Archangel Michael. But this is not the only reason why the bridge is called the Bridge of the Holy Angel. In 1668, the sculptor Lorenzo Bernini decorated the bridge with ten angels. Even after many years, the angels and bridge are perfectly preserved, making it a wonderful attraction.

This small bridge, made of stone slabs, is located in the British Exmoor Park and connects the banks of the Barlow River. It is difficult to say when it was built; some researchers believe that it could have been created in 3000 BC. There is a local legend that says that this bridge is the creation of the devil himself, who has sworn to kill anyone who dares to cross it. They say that a cat was initially allowed across the bridge, and it immediately disappeared. Then local residents They sent a vicar across the bridge, saying that the devil would not dare to touch the clergyman.

The devil and the vicar met halfway across the bridge and made an agreement. Anyone can walk along Tarr Steps, but only if the devil is not sunbathing on the bridge at that moment. So the locals say: "Before you decide to walk the Tarr Steps, make sure no demons are sunbathing at that moment."

Unfortunately, Tarr Steps has suffered some damage over the centuries. Some of its stones were destroyed by floods, but the bridge is periodically restored so that it can serve for many more years.

The Arkadiko pedestrian bridge in Greece is the oldest surviving arch bridge. It is believed to have been built around 1300 BC, meaning it has gone through a lot before it survives to this day. This bridge is slightly wider than usual pedestrian bridges- about 2.5 meters, perhaps in ancient times chariots drove along it. The bridge is made of huge boulders, without any fastening mortar, but has remained unbreakable for millennia.

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When we think of buildings that have survived to this day, we tend to think of the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the pyramids. But what about the structures that are still used - for their intended purpose - to this day?

While most ancient structures have been given a second life as tourist attractions, a simple, unassuming bridge can retain its original purpose for centuries.

There are many bridges that were built hundreds of years ago and are still used in everyday life today due to the fact that they were built to last.

While older bridges are more likely to be destroyed by natural disasters, blown up during wars, or burned down in tragic accidents, the bridges on this list have survived the centuries relatively unchanged.

10. Fabricius Bridge (Pons Fabricius), Rome, Italy

The Romans built many things that have stood the test of time. Thanks to their rigorous and efficient construction techniques, several important structures built during the Roman era still stand today. If you want to carefully examine and study the fruits of their handicraft, then go to Rome and visit the Fabrician Bridge.

The bridge was built by Lucius Fabricius in 62 BC, probably to replace a burnt wooden bridge. You can tell that Lucius ordered it to be built, since he wrote it on the bridge in four different places.

In 21 BC. two consuls, Marcus Lollius and Quintus Aemilius Lepidus, made adjustments to the bridge so that it would be better preserved after the flood that occurred in 23 BC. True, what specific improvements were made is not indicated anywhere.

It may have been the addition of a small arch on the bridge that relieved pressure during floods. This is probably the only thing that helped the bridge survive for centuries.

9. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy


Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is located in Florence, Italy. It was erected to replace a wooden bridge that failed during the flood, so it is still preserved in its original splendor.
An interesting feature of the Ponte Vecchio (which means "old bridge" in Italian) is the vaulted gallery with shops. Today, jewelry and various souvenirs are sold here, but originally the passage housed butchers' shops. In fact, because of the fishmongers and butchers who traded here in the 15th century, there is still an unpleasant smell on the bridge.

Considering that at that time Florence was becoming the capital of the Renaissance, Grand Duke Ferdinand I banned the sale of meat and fish on the bridge, ordering that only gold and silversmiths' shops should be located on it, which created an attractive image for the city, helping to increase the flow of wealthy foreign tourists.

The bridge would hardly have survived to this day if not for the act of respect shown during World War II. When german soldiers leaving the city, they blew up all the bridges during their retreat. The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge that they did not touch, preferring to destroy access to it rather than the bridge itself.

8. Rialto Bridge (Ponte Di Rialto), Venice, Italy


The Italian Bridge was built in 1591 on the site of a collapsed wooden bridge. It was designed by the architect Antonio de Ponte, who, in conditions of fierce competition, participated in the competition for the best bridge design along with such outstanding architects as Michelangelo, Palladio, Vignola.

Unfortunately, after the bridge was built, it did not meet with an enthusiastic response among local residents. He received both praise and contemptuous ridicule from critics, who sharply condemned his design as “unstable and ungraceful.” The same attention was drawn to Eiffel Tower after it was built.

Despite criticism, the bridge has remained largely untouched since its inception. Given that it had to have a 7-meter arch to allow galleys to sail underneath, and also be strong enough to accommodate a row of benches in the center, it had to be structurally sound and durable. The Rialto Bridge is so strong that cannons were fired from it during the riots of 1797.

7. Khaju Bridge, Isfahan, Iran


Construction of this bridge, erected on the foundations of an old bridge in 1667, began by order of Shah Abbas II. As a bridge it serves its primary purpose of allowing people to cross the Zayandeh River, but it has other uses as well. The Khaju Bridge also functions as a dam (and has locks), and its most interesting use is the social aspect.

Even though we are not used to bridges being used as places for public gatherings, this did not stop Shah Abbas II from trying to build one of these. Along the bridge, impressive designs and patterns of ceramic tiles can still be seen. A pavilion was built in the middle so that Shah Abbas II and his courtiers could enjoy the picturesque landscape.

These days, the pavilion houses a café and an art gallery. A stone seat was installed in the pavilion, on which Shah Abbas II enjoyed the view of the river. The place is still there, but as a remnant of its former glory.

6. Shaharah Bridge, Amran, Yemen


The Shekhar Bridge (or "Bridge of Sighs" as many call it), built in the 17th century, is located at an altitude of 200 meters and connects two mountains - Jabal al Emir and Jabal al Faish Faish).

It was difficult for local residents, whose houses were located on the slopes of both mountains, to visit each other, since to do this they first had to descend from one mountain and climb the other. The bridge was built to connect two villages on both sides of a deep gorge, thereby saving time and effort for local residents.

It wasn't easy dangerous area For vehicles. Considering that this was the only entrance to the city of Shekhara, the bridge had to be fortified to repel the attacks of the Turkish invaders. It is said that the locals know a way to destroy the bridge at any time, isolating the residents from danger.

Today, Shekhara Bridge is a major tourist attraction and still serves the locals as a functioning bridge.

5. Cendere Bridge, Eskikale, Türkiye


Also known as Severan, the bridge was built in the 2nd century by four cities of the Kingdom of Commagene. The bridge was built in honor of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, his wife Julia and their two sons, Caracalla and Geta. Being one of the oldest, it is also the second most long bridge, built by the Romans.

On each side of the bridge, two columns rise, personifying members of the imperial family: Severus and Julia on one side and Caracalla and Geta on the other. If you happen to visit the Jendere Bridge, you will see that the column representing Geta is missing.

All because Caracalla killed Geta because of constant rivalry, as they say, right in the arms of his mother. Moreover, Caracalla went so far as to order the murder of all of Geta's friends and allies, and as a final blow to Geta's legacy, he ordered the destruction of any mention of his brother so that his name would be erased from history - including the column symbolizing Geta.

4. Anji Bridge, Shijiazhuan, China


The Anji Bridge, built in 605, is oldest bridge in China. The bridge, whose name means “Bridge of Safe Crossing” in Chinese, can be said to have been built to last.

It was designed to be one of the best in the world. At that time it was considered technically progressive, as it had the largest arch. Considering that it is still quite strong, it is clear that the Anji Bridge, while a very ambitious structure, was not built at the expense of its appearance.

By the way, the bridge has passed much more than just the test of time. It managed to survive 10 floods, 8 wars and countless earthquakes, and repair work it required only 9 times over its entire documented service life.

3. Bridge of the Holy Angel (Ponte Sant’Angelo), Rome, Italy


Built by order of Emperor Hadrian in 136, the Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of the most famous in Rome and one of the most beautiful.

To some extent, the emperor built the bridge for the sake of his own vanity, since its main purpose was to connect the entire city with the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant'Angelo).

One of the most beautiful improvements to the bridge occurred many centuries after the death of the emperor. In 1668, the Italian architect and sculptor Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini decorated the entire length of the bridge with ten statues of angels, two of which he created himself. Each of the angels holds in their hands a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Even now, after several centuries, the bridge and the angels still stand, being a famous and beautiful landmark.

2. Tarr Steps, Exmoor, England


The Tarr Steps (known as the "bridge") is a slab crossing on a stone support. Given the design of the bridge, it is difficult to say when it was built: it is assumed that in the period from 3000 BC. until the Middle Ages. The first documentary description of the bridge was made in Tudor times, that is, at least at the end of the 15th century.

There is a legend about Tarr Steps that it was built by the devil himself, who swore to kill anyone who dared to cross it. Then local residents, wanting to test the theory, sent a cat along it. The cat disappeared. They then sent a vicar across the bridge to meet the devil in the middle of the bridge. After they agreed, the devil said that anyone could use the bridge, but if he wanted to use this place for sunbathing, then the ban on using the bridge would be renewed. So if you want to walk along the Tarr Steps walkways, first make sure there isn't a sunbathering devil in your way.

Unfortunately, Tarr Steps is a small exception among bridges that have stood untouched for centuries. Considering that a pile of stones does not make the best foundation, some of them were demolished by floods over time. For this reason, all stones have been numbered so that such a case they could be put back where they were so that the bridge would retain its authenticity. Even though some of the stones have been put back in place several times, it is technically still the same bridge.

1. Arkadiko Bridge, Argolina, Greece


This bridge is the oldest surviving arch bridge that is still in use for its intended purpose. It is believed to have been built during the Greek Bronze Age, 1300-1200. BC

During the Mycenaean civilization, the bridge was part of a military road that ran between the cities of Tiryns and Epidauros. The width of the bridge is almost 2.5 meters, which is much wider than conventional pedestrian bridges. According to historians, the bridge was designed in such a way that chariots could pass across it.

What makes it even more impressive is that it was constructed entirely from limestone stones without the use of any binder. This means that the Arkadik Bridge, solely thanks to the skill of its builders, stood for three millennia, starting from the time of the Mycenaean civilization, and has survived to this day.