A Chinese proverb says: “Unfortunately, there are more people building walls than building bridges.” This makes bridges all the more fascinating, because they connect rather than divide.
But there’s more to their beauty than symbolism: their structure, colors, shapes, and often centuries-old stories make them marvels of both engineering and culture.
Here are five bridges that are not just infrastructure, they’re true works of art worth admiring.
1. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)
The Bosphorus Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge) is not only an engineering wonder, it’s a symbol of a city, Istanbul, suspended between two continents. Inaugurated in 1973, this Turkey bridge connected Europe and Asia with a bold, visionary gesture.
A joint venture led by Webuild played a key role in this groundbreaking Istanbul bridge, that forever changed the mobility of the Turkish metropolis.
2. Rosario-Victoria Bridge
In the heart of Argentina, the Rosario-Victoria Bridge is much more than infrastructure, it’s a vital artery that transformed the region’s future. Built by Webuild, it connected the provinces of Santa Fe and Entre Ríos directly for the first time, shortening distances and multiplying opportunities.
With 60 kilometers of viaducts and roads, it’s a giant that spans the majestic Paraná River as if suspended in time.
3. Vasco da Gama Bridge
The Vasco da Gama bridge is one of Portugal’s famous landmarks. Inaugurated in 1998 for the Lisbon Expo, this Lisbon bridge links Montijo and Sacavém with a graceful line across the Tagus River.
Stretching 17.2 kilometers, the Portugal bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world, but it’s not just about the numbers.
The Vasco da Gama bridge in Lisbon tells many stories: that of the explorer it’s named after, of the families who found new homes through urban renewal and redevelopment, and of nature coexisting with engineering, flamingos and all, within protected reserves.
4. Harbour Bridge
The Harbour Bridge is far more than a crossing point, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks of Sydney and of Australia as a whole. Inaugurated in 1932, its massive steel arch earned it the nickname “the coat hanger.”
Connecting the city’s financial heart with the northern suburbs, this Sydney bridge sees more than 160,000 vehicles cross it every day. But it’s not just about traffic, you can also climb it, on guided tours that lead to the summit, with breathtaking views and hundreds of steps.
5. Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
The Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, is the heart of Lucerne and the oldest covered bridge in Europe.
With its distinctive zigzag path and centuries-old wooden beams, the Lucerne bridge crosses the Reuss River like a bridge suspended in time. Once part of the city’s defensive walls, today it’s a romantic stroll among 17th-century frescoes and postcard-perfect scenery.
At the center of the Chapel Bridge stands the Water Tower, built in the 1300s, once a prison, an archive, and even a torture chamber. Today, thankfully, it’s just one of Switzerland’s most popular landmarks.
