Since ancient times, people have been building bridges to better explore the world around them. Although these structures were constructed mainly to get us safely across bodies of water, many have become iconic landmarks, and tourist draws in their own right. Below, we'll take a look at five of the most stunning bridges you need to add to your bucket list.
Capilano Bridge in Vancouver, Canada
With about 2,000 visitors per day, Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular sites in British Columbia. Although it officially dates back to the late 1800s, this 460 feet long bridge over the Capilano River was heavily rebuilt in the 1950s. Guests walking along the Capilano Suspension Bridge enjoy the natural splendors of Canada's woodlands as well as access to one of the largest collections of First Nations totem poles.
Pearl Bridge in Kobe, Japan
Built in the 1990s, the Pearl Bridge connects the city of Kobe on Japan's main island to Awaji Island. This massive bridge, officially called the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, measures over 12,800 feet and still holds the title for the world's longest single span (6,523 feet). Almost as impressive as the Pearl Bridge's span is its height, which reaches up an incredible 92 stories. Despite all the serious rain and typhoons in the region, the Pearl Bridge is still standing tall.
George Washington Bridge in New York & New Jersey, USA
Crossing the historic Hudson between New Jersey and New York, the George Washington Bridge is one of America's longest and most frequently trafficked suspension bridges. Designed by Swiss architect Othmar Ammann in the 1920s, George Washington Bridge's main span measures 3,500 feet, which was the longest in the world till San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was finished. With over 105 million travelers per year, the George Washington Bridge remains one of the world's busiest bridges.
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA
No list of the world's greatest bridges would be complete without listing San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. This 1937 Art Deco landmark is still one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, measuring a total of 8,981 feet across the Golden Gate Strait. Interestingly, this icon of the West Coast has a significant tie to the East. Believe it or not, all of the cables used in the Golden Gate Bridge came from Roebling's Sons Co., the same company behind New York's Brooklyn Bridge.
Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy
Although not as massive as the other bridges on this list, Italy's Ponte Vecchio is undeniably the most romantic. Records suggest there was a bridge across the narrow stretch of Florence's River Arno since Roman times, but the all-stone structure we know as Ponte Vecchio dates back to the late 1300s. Amazingly, this "Old Bridge" has survived floods, storms, and invasion during World War II. Today, visitors can still find jewelers and goldsmiths selling their wares along Ponte Vecchio just as they have been doing since the Middle Ages.
Whether you were looking for a historic structure or the latest in ultra-modern design, you should've seen at least one bridge listed above to suit your interests. In addition to keeping locals connected, these great bridges help connect us all with a shared sense of awe.
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Resources:
12 Long-Spanning Facts About the George Washington Bridge | MentalFloss