The American website Business Insider has just released a ranking of the most beautiful bridges in the world. According to the ranking, the bridges that made it onto the list are all highly aesthetically pleasing, regardless of their shape, size, and style. They may span rivers and lakes, or be viaducts crossing canyons and valleys, serving both transportation needs and creating stunning works of art, becoming tourist attractions.
Garzon Bridge, Uruguay
Ranked first is the Laguna Garzon Bridge in Uruguay. Designed by architect Rafael Vinoly, the Laguna Garzon Bridge opened in December 2015. It is famous for its unusual circular shape. The bridge's circular design forces drivers to slow down and allows pedestrians to walk along a one-way loop.
Garzon Bridge, Uruguay
Trift suspension bridge, Switzerland
The famous Trift Bridge spans the river of the same name in the Gadmen region of Switzerland. Built in 2004, the bridge allowed mountaineers to reach a temporary shelter previously inaccessible due to the glacier. Because of its high altitude and the jagged rocks below, those with weak hearts are often apprehensive about crossing it. It is one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps.
Trift Bridge, Switzerland
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brazil
The Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge is one of the magnificent works of modern architecture in Brasília, Brazil.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasília, Brazil
Golden Bridge, Vietnam
With its impressive design, the Golden Bridge has consistently appeared on social media and in foreign newspapers. Located in the Ba Na Hills tourist area in Da Nang, it opened in June 2018. It is the only bridge in Da Nang that doesn't span a river; instead, it sits atop a high mountain, offering panoramic views of the lush green landscape. Situated at an altitude of 1,414 meters above sea level, the Golden Bridge boasts an incredibly impressive design, resembling a golden silk ribbon pulled from the heart of the mountain and supported by giant hands. The bridge is 150 meters long and 12.8 meters wide, with eight spans, serving as a connecting point between the French Village and the Thien Thai Garden in the tourist area.
Golden Bridge, Da Nang, Vietnam
Glacier Skywalk glass-floored bridge, Canada
Spanning nearly 400 meters in length and 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley, the Glacier Skywalk is an ideal viewpoint for adventurous travelers who aren't afraid of heights. From here, you can see majestic snow-capped mountains, vast valleys, and glaciers.
Glacier Skywalk Bridge, Alberta, Canada
Helix Bridge, Singapore
The Helix Bridge connects the Marina Bay shopping center with the southern marina in Marina Bay, Singapore. The 280-meter-long bridge, designed in a spiral shape mimicking the geometric structure of DNA, is illuminated every night in various colors. Its glass arches allow visitors to observe Singapore's nighttime cityscape.
Helix Bridge, Singapore
Millau Viaduct, France
Standing 343 meters above the Tarn Valley in southern France, the Millau Viaduct appears to be in flight. This colossal structure by Foster & Partners, slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower, took three years to build and was opened to the public in 2004. It was once considered the tallest bridge in the world. A source of pride for the French and hailed as a new wonder of France, it attracts a considerable number of tourists.
Millau Viaduct, France
New River Gorge Bridge, USA
The New River Gorge Bridge spans the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern America. Before its construction, visitors had to travel a 40-minute drive along an old river and narrow mountain roads, but the bridge now allows them to travel the same distance in just one minute. The New River Gorge Bridge has four lanes, is 924 meters long, and its arch reaches a height of 518 meters. It has been voted the longest arch bridge in the world for many years and is currently the third longest in the United States. Its stunning location and breathtaking scenery have made it one of the most photographed landmarks in West Virginia. In the fall, the bridge becomes even more impressive thanks to the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage.
New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia, USA
Bixby Creek Bridge, USA
If you're a fan of the Big Little Lies series, be sure to visit Bixby Creek Bridge. If you're not familiar with the show, don't worry. The stunning scenery here certainly won't disappoint.
Bixby Creek Bridge, Monterey, California, USA
Brooklyn Bridge, USA
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, spanning approximately 1,825 meters across the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Upon completion, it was the world's largest suspension bridge and the first steel-cable suspension bridge. Designed by architect John A. Roebling and completed by his son, Washington A. Roebling, over 14 years (1869-1883), the bridge has become an iconic part of New York City since its opening. In 1964, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, USA
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
Capilano Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Capilano River north of Vancouver, Columbia, Canada. Dubbed Vancouver's iconic suspension bridge, nestled amidst towering cedar trees, it's a popular Canadian tourist destination, attracting around 800,000 visitors annually. Capilano leads into a park popular with hikers, nestled within a forest teeming with ancient, giant trees.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada
Chain Bridge, Hungary
The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest's most famous landmarks, spanning the Danube River and connecting Buda and Pest. It was the first bridge built in Budapest and is the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors.
Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Charles Bridge, Czech Republic
The Charles Bridge, 516 meters long, 9.5 meters wide, and 13 meters high, supported by 15 piers, is the oldest surviving bridge on the Vltava River in Prague and currently the second oldest bridge in the Czech Republic. It was built by Charles IV in 1357, after the Judith Bridge was destroyed in the 1342 flood. The Charles Bridge was constructed under the direction of the renowned German-Czech architect Peter Parler, initially named the Stone Bridge, and completed almost half a century later, in 1402. It only began to be called the Charles Bridge in 1870. Until 1841, it remained the only bridge on the Vltava River in Prague.
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Golden Gate Bridge, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting the Golden Gate, the gateway to San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is part of both US Highway 101 and California State Route 1. When completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Since then, it has become an international symbol of San Francisco and the United States.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, USA
The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky, was built in 1866 and is the oldest suspension bridge in the United States. Architect John A. Roebling also designed the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, USA
Kapellbrücke Bridge, Switzerland
The Kapellbrücke Bridge (meaning Chapel Bridge) is a wooden pedestrian bridge spanning the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne, Switzerland. It is named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel. Built in 1333 as part of the Lucerne fortifications, the Kapellbrücke is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Originally just over 200 meters long, it has been shortened over time and is now only about 170 meters long.
Kapellbrücke Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland
Manhattan Suspension Bridge, USA
The Manhattan Bridge, spanning the East River in New York City, connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn. It was the last of three suspension bridges built on the lower East River, following the Brooklyn Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge. After eight years of construction (1901-1909), the bridge opened to traffic on December 31, 1909. It features four lanes for vehicles on the upper level, three lanes for vehicles on the lower level, four railroad tracks, a pedestrian walkway, and a bicycle lane. Vehicles crossing the bridge are exempt from tolls.
Manhattan Bridge, New York, USA
Vasco da Gama Bridge, Portugal
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the ninth longest bridge in the world and the longest in Europe (including the viaduct approach). At 17.2 km long, this cable-stayed bridge connects the two banks of the Tagus River near Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Inaugurated in 1998 during the Lisbon World's Fair, it is named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his discovery of the sea route from Europe to India in 1498, making him the first European to reach India by sea from the Atlantic Ocean.
Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal
Millennium Bridge, England
Located in Gateshead, northern England, the Millennium Bridge, connecting the south side of Gateshead Harbour and the north side of Newcastle Harbour, is notable for its two graceful curves: one is the bridge deck itself, and the other is the suspension structure supporting this uniquely designed bridge. To allow ships to pass, the bridge's structure is raised to lift the parabolic-shaped deck, creating space underneath. When the deck is raised, it's often likened to the blinking of a human eyelid. Therefore, the bridge is also known as the "blinking bridge." Many curious people, especially tourists, often stop to watch the moment the bridge is raised.
Millennium Bridge, London, England
Alexandre III Bridge, France
The Alexandre III Bridge spans the picturesque Seine River, located between the 7th and 8th arrondissements of Paris, France. Built between 1896 and 1900, it is not only considered a historical landmark of France but was also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The construction of this bridge required extreme care and precision from architects and engineers, as its height could not obstruct the view of the famous surrounding landscapes. A striking feature of the Alexandre III Bridge that captivates visitors is the exquisitely crafted, gilded bronze sculptures of miniature angels, each with its own unique style, affixed to the large granite columns of the bridge.
Alexandre III Bridge, Paris, France
Vecchio Bridge, Italy
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence's most famous bridge and undoubtedly one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Spanning the narrowest point of the Arno River, it's unlike any other, and unlike any other, the light reflecting off the water shimmers, captivating visitors as they cross. The bridge also serves as an entrance to Florence from the Cassia Road – a structure of wood and stone seemingly dating back to Roman times. The Ponte Vecchio's greatest architectural achievement, however, is the Vasari Corridor: a marvel of the Renaissance. Commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici to adorn the area surrounding the Palace of Signoria, it also served as a passageway connecting the Uffizi Valley to the Pitti Palace.
Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
Seri Wawasan Bridge, Malaysia
The Seri Wawasan Bridge is the longest bridge in Putrajaya City, with a total length of 240 meters, connecting District 2 and the residential area of District 8. The bridge is designed in the shape of a sailboat, with a cable-stayed structure reinforced by a steel frame. The bridge's elegance, combined with its modern lighting system, attracts many tourists who come to admire it at night.
Seri Wawasan Bridge, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Rialto Bridge, Italy
The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's oldest and most famous structures. It was the first solid stone bridge to span the Grand Canal, its construction decided upon in 1588 and completed in 1591. The bridge's unique design, with a single span of 48 meters, was chosen in a design competition, beating out many renowned architects, including Michelangelo and Andrea Palladio.
Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most famous and photographed landmarks. It is the world's largest steel arch bridge, with its apex reaching 134 meters above the water. Locals often jokingly call it the "coat hanger bridge" because its arched design, when viewed from a distance, resembles a clothes hanger.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
Tower Bridge, London, England
Completed in 1894 after eight years of construction, Tower Bridge spans the River Thames and is one of the iconic symbols of the British capital. The bridge is 244 meters long, with two large towers, each 65 meters high, designed as a combination of suspension and bascule bridge. The main span, 61 meters long, lies between the two towers and can be separated and raised to allow ships to pass. Ship owners must give 24 hours' notice to pass. According to the Tower Bridge website, the bridge is raised approximately 850 times a year. The two side spans of Tower Bridge are suspension bridges. The pedestrian walkways on either side are 44 meters above the river at high tide. Here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of London from above while learning about the bridge's history and operation.
Tower Bridge, London, England
Zakim Bridge, USA
The Zakim Bridge, spanning the Charles River (Boston, Massachusetts, USA), is modeled after the design of the USS Constitution memorial and Bunker Hill.
Zakim Bridge, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China
Located in Zhangjiajie National Park, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (also known as the Tianyun Bridge, or Grand Canyon Bridge) is 430 meters long and 6 meters wide, constructed from an iron frame and 120 tempered glass panels. With a total glass thickness of 5 cm, made from three layers of tempered glass without using steel or concrete, the bridge ensures safety for visitors, designed by experts to withstand over 800 people at once. The bridge spans two cliffs at a height of 300 meters, offering panoramic views below, a location said to have inspired the fantastical scenery in the popular 3D film Avatar.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China
Forth Bridge, Scotland
Scotland's Forth Bridge is a famous historical bridge located at the mouth of the River Forth, connecting South Queensferry and North Queensferry. Construction of the Forth Bridge was commissioned by the Prince of Wales in 1882 and inaugurated on March 4, 1890, after eight years of construction. The bridge has a total length of 2,529 meters, using 54,000 tons of steel and 21,000 tons of concrete. At the time, Forth was the longest and heaviest single-canopy bridge in the world, and also the most robust bridge ever built. This record was held until 1917, when the Quebec Bridge in Canada was completed. In fact, after a century of existence, the bridge has not suffered significant damage from major storms in the region. With its magnificent scale and application of the most advanced construction techniques, the Forth Bridge is considered a symbol of world construction in the 19th century. To this day, the Forth Bridge remains the second longest single-span bridge in the world. In 2015, UNESCO recognized this historic bridge as a World Heritage Site.

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