There are hundreds of iconic and outstanding bridges around the world, which stand as shining testaments of modern-day engineering and advanced technology. Every year, numerous visitors gather at these places to celebrate as well as enjoy the glory and splendor of these structures. Here are eight most stunning bridges, which have been attracting people for decades. Have a look at them:
Golden Gate Bridge
Situated in San Francisco, the primary financial and cultural hub of the United States of America, the Golden Gate Bridge is considered as the most decipherable bridge on the earth. It was constructed 75 years ago and since then it has earned a world-class reputation. Many people think that the design of the suspension bridge is not contemporary. The concept is much similar to those of the industrial age and hence, is not that impressive. However, it is also true that without the beauty and grace of the Golden Gate Bridge, the skyline of the city will look dull.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
This amazing bridge is not only a visual treat but also a great edifice to climb for adventurous tourists. As the name reveals, it is located in the ‘Harbour City’ Sydney in Australia. Due to its wonderful arch-based design, the Harbour Bridge is known as ‘The Coat Hanger’ among the Aussies. In the year 1932, it was officially opened for the worldwide visitors and since then, it has become the central point of Australian celebrations. The dazzling fireworks display from the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the major attractions in the country on the New Year’s Eve.
Ponte Vecchio
If you want to get a taste of ancient Italy, you have to visit this Medieval Bridge. It was constructed right over the famous Arno River in Florence, the ‘city of lilies’. Being an exclusive closed-spandrel arch bridge made in the Roman Era, it boasts of having a rich history and heritage. The Ponte Vecchio is considered as the ‘Oldest Stone’ of Italy as well as Europe and hence, it was not demolished during the Second World War. A number of hotels, shops and other services lining the inner segment of the bridge have made it popular among the travelers.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
When it comes to the most iconic and magnificent bridges in the world, this spectacular architecture situated in the town Gateshead in England can never be ignored. In fact, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the one and only tilting bridge in the world, intended for the cyclists, bikers and pedestrians. It is built over the well-known River Tyne. The unique design concept and innovative construction have earned it global fame and appreciation. Queen Elizabeth opened the Millennium Bridge in the year 2002 and since then, it has achieved several honors and awards.
Tsing Ma Bridge
Tsing Ma Bridge is the pride of Hong Kong, a ‘cosmopolitan and modern symbol’ of China. It is known to be the greatest suspension bridge on the earth, which is capable of carrying the traffic of both rail and road. It is also equipped with a couple of decks. As the city of Hong Kong suffers from yearly typhoon attacks, a number of strong and successive ‘wind tunnel’ experiments were conducted for the Tsing Ma Bridge in order to make it more powerful. It was inaugurated in the year 1997 and a total of 7.2 billion Hong Kong dollars were spent for its construction.
Pearl Bridge
The Pearl Bridge, also popularly known as ‘Akashi-Kaikyo’, is one of the most admired structures found in Japan. Located in the Kobe Naruto area, this stunning bridge is around 2 km. (exactly 1,991 m.) long. Since the year 1998, it has been considered as the ‘Longest Suspension Bridge in the World’. This bridge is a true accomplishment of modern engineering and technology. The most amazing fact about the Pearl Bridge is it withstood the devastating Kobe earthquake successfully that broke out on January 17, 1995.
Pont du Gard Aqueduct
The list of most iconic and magnificent bridges in the world will remain incomplete without this timeless edifice built by the Roman Empire. Pont du Gard Aqueduct, the striking bridge constructed in a time between 19th century BC and 150 AD, is a real wonder of France. No mortar was used during its construction. Moreover, each of the stones (about 6 tons in weight) used in the structure was cut and shaped in accurately.
The Confederation Bridge
Canada also boasts of having some wonderful bridges and the Confederation Bridge, situated in the Prince Edward Island, is the most important one among them. It is regarded as the biggest bridge built over a vast area covered with ice. However, the structure is not delicate. Rather it is strong and powerful enough. It completely connects the major terrain of New Brunswick with the Prince Edward Island.