The most beautiful bridges in the world: photos and names. Top 10

Architectural genius is most clearly manifested when creating bridges. Famous bridges of the world! It is they, having a perfectly justified practical need, often become unique symbols of countries and cities, making recognizable as well-known world capitals, as well as remote scenic corners. Of the huge number of these objects, we have chosen the 10 most beautiful bridges in the world and publish a very conventional TOP-10, as there are many original and amazing bridges in the world. And yet, using the generally accepted criteria for the beauty of architectural objects, we tried to compile this list, which included recognized examples of the bridge architecture of past centuries, and novelties that surprise contemporaries with the grandeur of design and execution.

The bridge (viaduct) Millow

Opens the list entitled "The Most Beautiful Bridges of the World", the Millennium Bridge, opened in December 2004 and is today the largest hanging structure in the world. Majestically towering above the valley of the Caro Lake, located in the south of France, at an altitude of 343 meters, the automobile bridge of Millau creates a feeling of a stunning flight for all passing through it. Contributes to this illusion and the architecture of the bridge is light, as if flying. Exceeding the famous tower of the Eiffel in height, the viaduct leads the world list of the highest bridges. The grandiose 8-span structure is located on seven supports and weighs 36 thousand tons. The viaduct is built in the form of a semicircle with a radius of 20 km, its length is 2.4 km.

Royal Gorge Bridge footbridge

Our list, called "The Most Beautiful Bridges of the World", would be incomplete without the famous American bridge erected in 1929. It stretches over the Arkansas River and has long been one of the region's most famous landmarks. Monumentality of the structure is organically combined with surprising ease of construction, and a height of 305 meters makes it possible to enjoy the unforgettable mountain scenery of this picturesque area. The length of the structure is 385 m.

Spain: Bridge Puente de Piedra

One of the most visited tourist attractions of Zaragoza has long been recognized as the stone bridge of Puente de Piedra across the Ebro River, rightfully occupying one of the leading places in our rating "The Most Beautiful Bridges of the World". The photo presented in the article demonstrates the integrity and elegance of the structure. Located in the city center near the El Pilar basilica, this bridge is also known as Lion's, as it is decorated with four symbolic sculptures of lions.

It is also famous for the duration of the erection: it was built for 40 years, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it was thoroughly reconstructed. Today, the Bridge of Puente de Piedra is a monument of history and architecture that appeared in the 15th century, and at the same time a powerful transport artery that is extremely important for the economic health of the whole country.

Hong Kong: Bridge Tsin Ma

To the list of "The biggest and most beautiful bridges in the world" we also include the famous Hong Kong suspension bridge Tsin Ma - one of the world's masterpieces of architecture, which has become a kind of symbol of the country and a guide for tourists. Graceful and surprisingly beautiful (especially in the night illumination), the bridge connects the city with the island of Lantau. In addition, being an essential part of the infrastructure of the Hong Kong International Airport, Tsin Ma provides highways and rail services. The bridge was put into operation in 1997. Its length is quite impressive - 2.2 km, and the main span - 1.4 km.

Argentina: Bridge Women (Puente de la Moucher)

In the category "The most beautiful bridges of the world" it is impossible not to include the most interesting Argentinean Women's Bridge. The history of the creation of this unique pivot bridge is amazing. Inspiration for the architect Santiago Calatrava was the graceful movements of a couple dancing Argentine tango. Located in Buenos Aires, this 170-meter graceful swing bridge is thrown across the Rio de la Plata and connects two streets: Pierina Dealesi and Manuela Gorriti in the urban area of Puerto Madero. The opening of the bridge took place at the end of 2001, and it immediately became a city landmark.

The bridge is pedestrian. The breadth is 6.2 m, divided into 3 sections, 2 of which are 25 and 32.5 m long and are located along the banks, while the middle part rotates on the concrete support base and is capable of clearing the fairway for passing ships in 2 minutes. This mobile section of the bridge is equipped with a metal giant 34-meter "needle". Cables-cables holding the middle part of the bridge, contact with the "needle", the slope of which over the water surface is 39 °. A special support protruding from the water balances the end of the middle section with a 90 ° turn. Controlling the entire operation of this magnificent structure, the computer system includes a rotary mechanism if necessary.

United Kingdom: Millennium Bridge in Gateshead

This is the first inclinable bridge, which has not yet been analogous. He is awarded many architectural awards and awards. Implementing the unique project of a pedestrian bridge, which is necessary for the city, but does not interfere with river navigation, in 2001 a unique 850-ton structure with a length of 126 m was erected.

There is a bridge of their two steel arches, one of which is raised in a semicircle above the water, reaching a height of 50 m at the top, the second is a pedestrian canvas under which low vessels can pass. As the high vessel approaches, the arches begin to move toward each other, turning by 40 °, and join. The duration of this maneuver is 4.5 minutes. Upon its completion, both canvases are equilibrated and raised above the water at a height of 25 meters. In the people, this turn was dubbed "a winking eye."

Singapore: Henderson's Wave Bridge

The bridge over Henderson Road is an extraordinary structure, reminiscent of a huge snake, twisting a branch of a tree. In 2008, the most beautiful bridges on earth were supplemented by this ingenious pedestrian structure. The leader in height among the bridges of Singapore, he immediately won the love of the inhabitants of the city.

The basis of the bridge was a skeleton of characteristic curved steel ribs, alternately towering above the deck. The original sheathing of the frame made of special wood species perfectly withstands climatic upheavals. The Henderson Wave Bridge connects two city parks. The wavelike 7-section structure, 294 m long, seems to float at a 36-meter height above the busy highway. In the interior bends of the bridge there are comfortable niches, equipped with benches and armchairs, where you can relax while admiring the picturesque views. External "waves" are also a roof, creating an excellent protection against wind and sun. The bridge of the "Henderson's Wave" is magnificent at any time of the day, but it differs with special sophistication at dawn or sunset. At night, it is illuminated by garlands of light-emitting diodes and becomes romantic and mysterious.

Italy: Rialto Bridge

The oldest Rialto Bridge stretching over the Grand Canal is the pearl of the world bridge construction and a popular attraction that occupies a worthy place in the list of "The Most Beautiful Famous Bridges in the World". The stone structure, which replaced the original wooden structure, was erected in the late 16th century. It connects the urban areas of San Polo and San Marco. The 48-meter-long Rialto Bridge, based on 12,000 stilts, is a pedestrian bridge consisting of one traditional arch. The width of the building is 22 m. Today, as in the heyday of Italy, the bridge has not lost its popularity: it is always lively and beloved by the residents of the city and tourists.

French Pont du Gard

This Roman bridge, which has stood the test of time, is taken under the protection of UNESCO. Built in antiquity, the three-level bridge is today a place of pilgrimage for tourists of many countries. Pont du Gard is an aqueduct that connects the banks of the Gardon River near the French city of Nimes. Its dimensions are remarkable, they surprise and amaze at the same time: the length of the bridge is 275 m, and the height reaches 47 m. Pont du Gard is not just a majestic ancient Roman aqueduct, here every stone remembers fascinating historical events. The time of erection of this unique structure dates back to the 19 th year BC. But none of the scientists can explain how it was built.

The three-level aqueduct is part of a 50-kilometer water supply system that supplies water for the needs of Nima townspeople. For more than 2000 years of history there have been changes, the aqueduct has long ceased to fulfill the functions of the water main, remaining a majestic ferry.

Tower Bridge in London

TOP-10 "The most beautiful bridges of the world" completes the famous drawbridge above the Thames, which is located not far from the Tower. This British symbol, built in the style of Victorian Gothic, was built in 1894 and is a 244-meter building with two 65-meter towers. The length of the span between them is 61 m, and the span itself is divided into 2 movable wings, capable of ascending to 83 ° and equipped with a special counterweight, which makes it possible to bridge for one minute.

For pedestrians in the building, in addition to the planned sidewalks, galleries are built that unite the towers at a height of 44 m. Today they house a museum and an observation deck.

We tried to enumerate and characterize the most beautiful bridges of the world. The photos and names of the bridges are different, but they are similar in one: these majestic structures are created by brilliant masters and have become unique monuments of architectural art.