Description of the attraction
The Untertorbrücke Bridge is located in the Swiss city of Bern, and its name means “the bridge at the Lower Gate”. In its current form, the bridge was built in 1461-89. - This is the oldest Berne bridge across the Aare; until the middle of the 19th century, it remained the only one. The bridge is included in the list of attractions of national importance and is under state protection.
The city of Bern was founded in 1191, and the issue of building a bridge across the river has become relevant almost from the moment the city was founded. The first bridge was built in 1256. It was made of oak logs, at one end of the bridge was protected by a tower, and in the middle of the bridge there was a guardhouse, where the guards were. Historians reasonably assume that the bridge was partially covered.
In 1460 the wooden bridge was severely damaged by the severe flooding on the Aar, and the city council decided to build a new bridge, this time a stone one. The construction was basically completed in the shortest possible time - in 1467 the bridge chapel was consecrated and traffic was opened across the bridge. After 10 years, construction was resumed, and defensive fortifications were completed. The fortifications were constantly being repaired and improved, because at that turbulent time they were of great importance. They were no longer needed until the 18th century; moreover, they became a hindrance to transport. In 1757 the bridge was reconstructed. All defensive fortifications and powerful gates were demolished; instead, decorative gates and a baroque triumphal arch appeared.
At present, the bridge roughly corresponds to its medieval size, but without massive fortifications and without decoration of the 18th century.
