The bridges of Budapest definitely deserve to be discussed separately. The bridge is already an important event for any city, an important landmark connecting its two parts, an example of any style of architecture. Along with all this, the bridges of Budapest are a place where world records are set and where you can take great photos. After reading this article or seeing these bridges with your own eyes, you will be convinced that the bridges of Budapest are truly impressive and beautiful.
Ten bridges connect the two parts of Budapest, which in the past were two independent cities. Most of them are architectural masterpieces of world significance. I'll tell you about some of them.
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1. Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is named after Count István Szechenyi, a famous Hungarian politician, reformer and writer of the 19th century, who spent significant money and effort on its construction. The bridge was opened in 1849 and at that time was considered the longest bridge in the world. The length of its central span is 202 meters.
The Chain Bridge was the first bridge in Budapest, so it was of great importance for the citizens and economy of the country. The author of the project is British engineer William Clark. This is a kind of copy of the “Marlow Bridge” he built in Marlow, Great Britain.
Lions appeared on the bridge three years after its opening. They were created by sculptor Janos Marshalko. According to one anecdote, he forgot to give the lions tongues. As word spread through the city, the sculptor seemed unable to bear the shame any longer and jumped into the Danube before shouting at the boy who scolded him: “May your wife have the same tongue as my lions!” These lions obviously have a tongue, but it is not visible from below at a height of three meters.
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is one of the symbols of Budapest. In 2001, Hungarian pilot Peter Beseny flew under this bridge in an overturned plane. During World War II, the Germans blew up the bridge, but after the war the Hungarians restored it again.
The bridge is located right on the hill on which the royal palace was built.
2. Erzsebet Bridge
This bridge was named after Elizabeth (Erzsebet in Hungarian) of Bavaria, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Queen Consort of Hungary. She was very fond of Hungarian culture, history, language and literature, which was worthily appreciated by the grateful people.
The Erzsebet Suspension Bridge was built in 1897-1903. This is what it looked like at first:
This original bridge was blown up by the retreating Germans during World War II. The Erzsebet Bridge is the only one in Budapest that has not been restored to its original form. Construction of the new bridge was completed in 1964. Now it has a simpler shape and has become wider.
The bridge was built at the narrowest point of the Danube, so it is not long. Currently, its length is 290 meters, width - 27.1 meters.
In 2009, lighting was installed on the bridge according to the design of Japanese specialist Motoko Iishi, and now it glows beautifully at night, and during national holidays you can see the colors of the Hungarian flag on it.
In 2005, a world record for the number of people kissing was set on the Erzsebet Bridge. 5,875 couples took part in the event, which was recorded by representatives of the Guinness Book of Records.
The Erzsebet Bridge from the Buda side is located at the foot of Gellért Hill. To get to it from Pest, you need to get off at the Ferenciek tér metro station. Trams also run on both sides of the bridge: from the Pest side - number 2, from the Buda side - numbers 18, 19, 41.
3. Freedom Bridge
This “Bridge on Vamház Square” was built in 1894-1896 according to the design of János Feketeház. This is what it looked like in 1902:
He changed several names. In 1945, during World War II, the Germans blew up the bridge, but it was rebuilt within a year. Then it was called the Freedom Bridge. At the moment it looks like this:
The Freedom Bridge is made of iron. Its length is 333 meters, width - 20 meters. This is what its architect said: “When creating the new bridge, my goal was simplicity, beauty and economy.” The crown of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, shines in the sun, and the four peaks of the bridge are decorated with turrets. Turul is a bird from Hungarian mythology.
According to legend, Turuls are messengers of God. They are most similar to Sapsan.
from the Pest side near the bridge Budapest Central Bazaar, from the Buda side - Gellert Baths. There is a metro station nearby (line M4) Fővám tér.
This is what the Freedom Bridge looks like at night:
Now we move on to the last, fourth bridge of our article.
4. Margaret Bridge
Margate Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Budapest. Its construction began in 1872 and was completed in 1876. The author of the project is the French engineer Ernest Gouin.
The bridge consists of two parts that connect to each other on Margaret Island at an angle of 165 degrees.
During World War II, like other bridges in Budapest, Margaret Bridge collapsed, but not in 1945, but in 1944 - an accidental explosion destroyed the bridge, killing 600 people.
In 2009-2011, the bridge was reconstructed again.
At the end of the article we will offer you photographs of three more relatively new bridges in Budapest.
5. Other bridges
Medier Bridge:
The bridge was built in 2008.
Rakoczi Bridge:
The bridge was built in 1995. Its peculiarity is that mirrors are installed at a height of 35 meters to illuminate the road.
Arpad Bridge:
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