The World of Bridges

The steelworks that symbolized the industrialization of 19th century England forged the material that was vital for entirely new types of bridge constructions. These revolutionary techniques were tried and tested in the United Kingdom before being exported to the far reaches of the Empire.

The Ponte dei Salti in the Verzasca Valley in Ticino literally dates back to the Roman era. During its lifetime it was used above all by shepherds taking their herds to the higher Alps. Today it is a major draw for tourists who jump down from the bridge into the crystal-clear mountain waters.

The Krämerbrücke is a symbol of the city of Erfurt and the longest bridge in Europe to feature buildings across its entire structure.

Bridges have always been a fulcrum for the world’s major trade routes. The Nordkasteel Bridge in the port of Antwerp – the second largest bridge in Europe – does more than transport goods and people within the port area. It can also be lifted up and provides access to the docks for container ships.

The Millau Viaduct in the south of France is one of the highest bridge structures in the world and succeeds a formerly arduous journey through the wide valley of the Tarn River. With this route through the skies travelers from the north of the country can reach the Mediterranean.

The construction of the longest combined rail and road bridge was a hundred-year dream for the people of Japan. Following its completion in 1988 the Great Seto Bridge finally connected the islands of Honshu and Shikoku thereby ending the isolation of the smaller Shikoku from the Japanese mainland.