Description of the attraction
The Old Bridge, erected at the end of the 19th century, is the oldest structure of this type in Bratislava. It is not unique in terms of engineering. The bridge is supported by simple stone pillars. It is intended for pedestrians, for whom special sidewalks made of wood, cars and trams have been created. The line connecting the center of Bratislava and Vienna runs exactly over this bridge. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century and then modernized. Now you can't get to Vienna by tram, but it's very easy to get to the dormitory Petrzalka. In the future, it is planned to leave only the high-speed tram line on this bridge.
The length of the Old Bridge is 460 meters. It took 22 months to build and was inaugurated in 1890 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I. At that time, the only bridge in Bratislava was named after this monarch. The building, by the way, changed its name several times.
The steel structure of the Old Bridge was significantly damaged during the battles between the Nazis and Soviet soldiers. It was restored by German prisoners of war, and they did it so well that the Old Bridge until 1972, until the New Bridge was erected, served as the only crossing over the Danube. This building is still functioning, although in 2008 it was closed for private cars. However, the bridge can still be crossed by foot, bus or tram across the Danube.
Modern engineers offer several options for rebuilding the Old Bridge. Probably, one of its supports will have to be demolished, and the metal structure replaced with a newer and more modern one. The modernization of the bridge has been planned for a long time, as the bridge is too low above the water surface, which prevents large ships from entering the city. In 2013, the city authorities of Bratislava allocated funds for the reconstruction of the bridge.
