From the very beginning, humans have wanted to explore beyond their environs, to venture into the unknown. Bridges became the gateway to other lands. Suddenly, people could cross large masses of water, reducing the distances and dangers of travelling. The first bridges were probably accidents of nature, but bridges were first mentioned in the Indian epic, the Ramayana. In Europe, the Romans, with their advanced knowledge of engineering, built bridges all over their empire, some of which still stand today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bridges are more than just a way of crossing from one place to another, they symbolise unity, friendship and adventure. We want to pay tribute to these sturdy monuments that have been making our lives easier for centuries by selecting the best bridges to visit in Europe. Discover what makes them unique, where to find them and how to make the most of your trip. It\u2019s time to bridge the gap! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chapel Bridge\u2014Lucerne, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Built nearly 700 years ago as a fortification, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne<\/a>, Switzerland, is the oldest timber bridge in Europe, and despite having suffered a massive fire in 1993, it reopened just a year later. It covers the Reuss River, connecting the new town of Lucerne with the medieval old town
or Rathausquai. <\/p>\n\n\n