Bridges make up some of the world’s most
unforgettable man-made structures. But which are the most aesthetically
appealing? Holiday Lettings
assembles a list of the loveliest examples to visit, from London’s Tower Bridge
to Leonardo da Vinci’s design in Norway.
Tower
Bridge, London, UK
It wouldn’t be a proper trip to London without
gazing down the Thames from Tower Bridge and snapping some photos. After all,
its imposing Gothic towers and ornate drawbridge (raised to let boats through)
make up one of the city’s most iconic sights. While you’re there, you can find
out more about the structure at the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Venture across the bridge into the Tower of
London, shudder at its gory history and gasp at the opulent Crown Jewels. Why
not take a boat down the river from the nearby Tower Millennium Pier and see
the city from a different perspective? You’ll drift past the imposing HMS
Belfast - the former warship’s now a floating museum, and you can explore its
nine decks and Operations Room.
Ponte
Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy
This is the most famous bridge in this
gorgeous city. Emperor Hadrian commissioned it as an approach to his mausoleum
in 136, but it’s the angel sculptures along the parapets to whom today’s
travellers pay their respects. Designed by Bernini in the 17th
century, they tell you the story of Jesus’ crucifixion as you drift across the
River Tiber.
The bridge leads you to the monumental
Castel Sant’Angelo, which has served as everything from a prison to a papal
residence. You can admire the vast collection of Renaissance paintings and
pottery, and take in the lavish apartments (plus torture chamber). The views
from the ramparts towards the Vatican City are stunning. If they inspire you,
you might want to take the quick walk to the mighty St Peter’s Basilica and the
legendary Sistine Chapel frescoes.
Sydney
Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia
You’ve seen plenty of
images, but nothing can prepare you for the reality of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
It’s so astonishingly familiar and so amazingly grand that you’ll struggle to
take your eyes off it. If you have a head for heights, why not climb all the
way to the summit? Alternatively, get out on the water to see the bridge across
the harbour, or take to the skies on a helicopter tour and feel your jaw drop
at the breathtaking bird’s eye views.
Back on dry land, watch the sun set over
the harbour from one of the Opera House’s bars as you savour a chilled glass of
white wine from the Hunter Valley. The nearby Botanic Gardens make a tranquil
oasis where you can take the sun and relax. When you’re re-energised, how about
hiking along the coast from Bondi to Coogee? There are idyllic beaches with
perfect surf and glittering rock pools to explore on the way.
Cornish-Windsor
Covered Bridge, New England, USA
Covered bridges are among New England’s
most iconic and cherished structures. Ten thousand reputedly dotted the
countryside in the nineteenth century, but it’s estimated that less than 2,000
remain today. The Cornish-Windsor Bridge in New England is the country’s
longest example and most impressive survivor: step back in time as you move
over the wooden floorboards and absorb its simple beauty.
You can investigate these charming
constructions fully at the Vermont Covered Bridge Museum in the southwest of
the state, which features displays on the builders and designers behind the
bridges. There’s more for fans of New England style at nearby Bennington’s Old
First Church, with its classic white weatherboard exterior. Renowned poet
Robert Frost is buried in the cemetery here. You can also soak up the
atmosphere of the historic Park-McCullough mansion near the town centre.
Leonardo's
Bridge, Ås,
Norway
Leonardo da Vinci designed a bridge to link
Europe and Asia, submitting his proposals to the Turkish sultan in 1502. They
were rejected at the time and remained a simple sketch in one of Leonardo’s
notebooks. His vision finally came to life 500 years later and 1,500 miles
further north than originally planned in Ås, Norway. You can stroll across the
elegant wooden structure and admire Leonardo’s lovely blend of function and
form.
While you’re there, discover what today’s
scientists are studying at the nearby Vitenparken green science centre, where
you can catch an exhibition on climate change or another environmental project.
For more green research, the neighbouring Norskogarboretet (arboretum) offers
you 70 species of forest trees to admire.
haha funnily enough, i don't think the sydney bridge is anything to gawk at.. it just reminds me of endless traffic jams! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhile they may not be beautiful, the bridges in Louisiana are known for being sooooo long (and high!!). All the Mississippi bridges (Vicksburg, Natchez, and of course - Baton Rouge) are quite majestic...just don't get caught in traffic on the top side! And between Lafayette/Baton Rouge and over Lake Pontchartrain...those bridges are among the longest in the world! Basically, you can't go anywhere in Louisiana without crossing a bridge!
ReplyDelete