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10 little-known bridges that surprise with their beauty
Most countries have their own lists of the most beautiful bridges. Some are proud of their length or height, others of their innovative architectural solutions. OBOZREVATEL has collected 10 of the most beautiful bridges you've likely never heard of.
1. Octávio Frias de Oliveira (São Paulo, Brazil)
Unusual in its design, the bridge impresses with its beauty and uniqueness. These are two separate highways that cross in the center, creating a single system. This crossing was named in honor of the local public figure. However, São Paulo residents more often refer to it as "Ponte Estaiada", which means "suspension bridge".
2. Ponte Vecchio (Florence, Italy)
One of the oldest bridges in Florence has a very unusual and even slightly chaotic appearance. The fact is that in the fifteenth century, local butchers began to set up shops here. The demand was huge, but there was not enough space. Thus, the vendors expanded the territory of their stalls in such a way that they were right above the water. Now they also sell items here, but not pork or beef, but expensive jewelry.
3. Fire Island (New York, USA)
The entrance bridge on Fire Island passes through a huge bay. Its beauty is noticeable at any time, but it is especially beautiful during sunsets. The road across the bay was built in 1964 and cost $10 million. However, mistakes in the design led to a rapid deterioration of the bridge, and now it is constantly repaired.
4. Dragon (Da Nang, Vietnam)
One of the newest bridges in Da Nang serves not only as a crossing over the Han River, but also as a huge tourist attraction. People come here to watch flames burst from the dragon's mouth. It's not a play of light or illumination, but real fire. Spectacular shows are also held here that make the bridge the most popular in the country.
5. Hohenzollern (Cologne, Germany)
The Cologne railway bridge has majestic train stations on both sides, with more than 1,200 trains running through it every day. However, this is not the only thing that distinguishes the structure from others. An ancient cathedral is located next to the crossing. Together, they form an inseparable road that has been the city's trademark for many years.
6. Vizcaya (Bermeo, Spain)
The stone bridge seems to have stepped out of a movie about the Middle Ages and leads to the amazing island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The road has indeed been used in various films. For example, Game of Thrones was filmed here. The incredible nature and amazing stairs leading to the top of the island mountain make this place popular among tourists.
7. Sellin (Rügen, Germany)
An incredibly romantic bridge leads to the most famous pier in the whole of Sellin. It stretches as much as 400 meters from the shore. However, this is a shortened length of the pedestrian zone. Before World War II, when this area was destroyed, the bridge was 100 meters longer.
8. Roman (Cangas de Onís, Spain)
Surprisingly, the Roman Bridge is not located in Italy. It is found in the Spanish town of Cangas de Onís. In 1931, this arched structure was recognized as an artistic and historical monument. A special feature of the architectural solution is a copy of the Victory Cross, which is attached to the central part of the bridge. By the way, in 737, a bell tower was built nearby to protect this path from destruction.
9. Plaka (Epirus, Greece)
There have been three attempts to build a bridge on this site. However, the fast waters of the Arachthos River destroyed the stone structures multiple times. The last time this happened was in 2015. However, then the Plaka was restored and is now open to visitors again.
10. Konitsa (Epirus, Greece)
Another little-known but very beautiful stone bridge of Epirus, which surprises with its beauty. The territory of the Vikos-Aoos Geopark, where it is located, is large, so it is not surprising that the Vjosa River flows here among the mountain peaks. Many bridges were built across it, most of which were built between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Each of them deserves attention.