Ancient bridges. The oldest bridges in Russia

The U Bein Bridge crosses Lake Tauntome and is rightfully considered a landmark of Myanmar. The longest and ancient bridge on the planet is entirely assembled from local wood - teak. 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 the local population, who, in addition to selling souvenirs, earn 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 con. 1900s It's him.


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. Same.


Photo 1908 Dorogomilovsky (Borodinsky) Bridge


Photo from 1911. Demolition of the old Borodino Bridge


Photo con. 1900 - 1910s Krasnoluzhsky (Nikolaevsky; Nicholas II) bridge. Railroad 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 will be built new bridge, still in effect 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)

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 their fruits self made, then head to Rome and visit the Fabricius Bridge.

The bridge was built by Lucius Fabricius in 62 BC, probably to replace the one that had burned down 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(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 they sell here Jewelry and various souvenirs, and initially there were butcher shops in the arcade. 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. Impressive designs and patterns of ceramic tiles can still be seen along the bridge. A pavilion was built in the middle so that Shah Abbas II and his courtiers could enjoy the picturesque landscape.

Today the pavilion houses a cafe and 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 Vehicle. 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. They say that local residents They know a way to destroy the bridge at any moment, isolating the inhabitants from danger.

Today, Shekhar 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 most ancient, it is also the second most long bridge, built by the Romans.

Two columns rise on each side of the bridge, representing 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


Anji Bridge, built in 605, is the 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 has survived 10 floods, 8 wars and countless earthquakes, and has only required repairs 9 times in its documented lifespan.

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 the stones were numbered so that in such an event they could be placed back where they were, so that the bridge retains 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 military road, which 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.

See the world's most beautiful pedestrian bridges, offering stunning views and stunning scenery.

24 PHOTOS

1. Peak Walk, Switzerland. This stunning 107 meter long suspension bridge connects the two peaks Swiss Alps- Scex Rouge and Glacier 3000 peak - at an altitude of... 3000 meters. Only kodak cameras can capture all the greatness of this beauty. (Photo: DENIS BALIBOUSE/Newscom/Reuters).
2. A 280-meter bridge in the form of human DNA - this can only be seen in Singapore. In the evening, computer-controlled lighting gives the Helix Bridge an incredible atmosphere. (Photo: Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)
3. The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ireland, built by local fishermen, stretches directly over a 30-meter precipice. (Photo: LOCOG/Getty Images).
4. The Trift Bridge in Switzerland is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps. It is located above Lake Triftsee and is 170 meters long. (Photo: Urs Flueeler/AP Photo).
5. Benson Bridge in the USA. The 14-meter bridge was built over Multnomah Falls in Oregon. (Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty Images).
6. Henderson Wave Bridge in Singapore. The undulating 275 meter bridge over Henderson Road features some very beautiful LED lighting. (Photo: TIM CHONG/Newscom/Reuters).
7. Suspension bridge, which is called "Through the Treetops", is located in the Valley of the Giants, in Australia. This amazing bridge was built for visitors National Park Walpole-Nornalup in Perth could walk and admire the crowns of giant eucalyptus trees. (Photo: REX Features)
8. Millennium Bridge in Gateshead, England. It is the world's first tilting bridge over the River Tyne and has won numerous architectural awards. Locals enjoy using it for walking and cycling from Gateshead to Newcastle. (Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images).
9. Sky Bridge Langkawi, Malaysia. Situated 700 meters above sea level, a curved bridge leads to the summit of Gunung Mat Chinchang. The bridge, which is 125 meters long, offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. (Photo: UIG/Getty Images).
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge in Canada. Built in 1889, the bridge sits 70 meters above the Capilano River and appears to rest on the treetops of a virgin forest. (Photo: Rich Wheater/Aurora Photos/Corbis).
11. Kokonoe Great Suspension Bridge "Yume" in Japan is currently the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is 390 meters long and 173 meters high. The bridge offers stunning views of Shindonotaki Falls and the surrounding Kyusuikei forests. (Photo: UIG/Getty Images).
12. Cherrapunji Root Bridge in India. This is the most amazing natural bridge in the world, which was made by the Khasi tribe. The roots of the surrounding rubber trees were directed by local residents so that over time they would form strong, natural bridges that could support 50 people. (Photo: Amos Chapple/Getty Images)
13. Bridge of Peace in Georgia. The arched bridge, designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, is located over the Kura River in Tbilisi. The bridge structure was produced in Italy and transported to the construction site by 200 trucks. (Photo: David Sucsy/Getty Images)
14. Sonimgyo Bridge in South Korea. This arch bridge over Jeongjeyeon Falls on Jeju Island features 14 statues of nymphs playing on different musical instruments. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Getty Images).
15. Nesciobrug in the Netherlands. This is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Europe. Its length is 780 meters. The bridge runs over Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal and will connect two districts: Amsterdam-Oost and IJburg. (Photo: Richard Wareham Fotografie/Getty Images)
16. Stone bridge in Spain. The stone bridge is the only road connecting the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe to the mainland. A bridge running over the ocean leads to a monastery with a small church. (Photo: Getty Images).
17. Women's Bridge in Argentina. The shape of the bridge, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, was inspired by the movements of a couple dancing tango. The 160-meter bridge is located over the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires. (Photo: Diego Giudice/Bloomberg).
18. Tree Top Canopy Walk, Malaysia. The 300-meter bridge is located among the treetops tropical forest on Borneo island. It is equipped observation deck, from which you can admire the forest, which is... more than 130 million years old. (Photo: Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Images)
19. Royal Gorge Bridge in the USA. Built in 1929, the 385-meter bridge over the Arkansas River in Colorado is one of the region's most popular attractions. Royal Gorge Bridge, 305 meters high, was the most high bridge in the world 1929 to 2001. (Photo: David Zalubowski/AP Photo)
20. Tigbao Suspension Bridge in the Philippines. The bridge looks as if it is about to collapse, however, this is only an appearance. Hanging 25 meters above the Loboc River, the bridge is made of metal. The bamboo trim is just the outer layer of the structure. (Photo: OTHK/Getty Images).
21. Rialto Bridge in Venice. This is one of the most famous bridges in the world and a very popular attraction. The Rialto Bridge, which sits directly over the Grand Canal, was originally made of wood. The current stone structure was built between 1588 and 1591 under the direction of the architect Antonio da Ponte. (Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters).
22. China's Chengyang Bridge, also known as Yongji Bridge or Rainy Bridge, was built in 1916 over the Linxi River in the Sanjiang region. It is made of wood and stone and is 65 meters high. (Photo: REX Features)
23. Old bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built in 1566, the arch bridge is an example of classical Ottoman architecture. During the war between Croatia and Bosnia in 1993, the bridge was destroyed. The old bridge was restored only in 2004. (Photo: Kelly Chang Travel Photography/Getty Images)
24. Pont du Gard in France. This Roman bridge, which has stood the test of time, is listed world heritage UNESCO. Built in ancient times, on the banks of the Gard River, the three-level bridge is one of the most famous tourist attractions in France. (Photo: REX Features)

 

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