Meaning “old bridge,” the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt after a flood in 1345. The bridge is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge.
During World War II, it was the only bridge across the Arno that the Germans did not destroy. Instead, they obstructed access by demolishing the medieval buildings on each side. Visitors can admire the bridge from underneath where there are occasionally theater presentations, concerts, and boat rides. It also has many shops along it filled with jewelry, art, and souvenirs.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney
Nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design, this steel arch bridge crosses over the Sydney harbor and connects the Sydney central business district and the north shore.
The bridge carries traffic from rail, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbor, and the closeby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of Sydney, and likewise, Australia. The bridge’s design was influenced by the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City.
Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, Shanghai
Recognized as the world’s longest bridge, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is a 164.8 km long viaduct on the Beijing Shanghai high-speed railway.
Its construction was completed in 2010 after four years of work, 10,000 employees, and $8.5 billion.
Hangzhou Bay Bridge, China
A highway bridge with a cable-stayed portion across Hangzhou Bay, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge is in the eastern coastal region of China.
It is a large-scale sea-crossing bridge with a length of 36 kilometers. It serves as a connection between the municipalities of Jiaxing and Ningbo in Zhejiang province. Its construction was completed on June 14, 2007, and an opening ceremony was held on June 26, 2007.
Forth Bridge, United Kingdom
Considered a symbol of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge across the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland, 9 miles west of Edinburgh City Center.
English engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker designed the construct. When it opened in 1890, it had the world’s longest span of 541 meters. To this day, it continues to carry passengers and freight. The Forth Bridge marks an important achievement in bridge design and construction during the period when railways were dominating long-distance land travel.