A bridge is a structure made to span a natural obstruction (such as a body of water, valley, road, or rail) without hindering the way below. From ancient civilizations, people built bridges to connect with other people despite physical obstacles. Moreover, we can see that the bridges had been interconnected with the ancient irrigation systems. The oldest bridge in the world is a single arch slab stone bridge in Turkey. Now bridges have become to another level. The new technology and engineering innovations have marked golden milestones in this field. Now Engineers can construct bridges that can be open when ships are going under the river. Today some bridges have become iconic landmarks and some have been a part of culture and rituals. Some old bridges hold proud histories of thousands of years. Today we are going to explore devil’s bridges all around the world.
The fact that there are 49 Devil’s Bridges in actuality that exist across the world is rather astonishing. People from all around the world decided they wanted their inventions to be labeled as demonic in addition to being built abroad. People refer to these bridges as Devil’s bridges because there is a common belief that such bridges were created by Satan since they were so magical or hazardous. Let’s dive into the 5 most eye-catching devil’s bridges around the world.
Rakotzbrycke Bridge, Germany
This bridge which holds an extraordinary structure is known as the fairy tale bridge in Saxony, Germany. And I think it is the most picturesque of all.
In the Middle Ages, various Devil’s Bridges were constructed. Only the devil could have assisted in the building of these masonry bridges. Because they are either so amazing or difficult to create. According to tradition, the devil helped construct the bridge in return for the soul of the first person to do so. Every bridge has a distinct folktale of its own.
In 1860, human hands constructed the Rakotzbrücke. The sharp, rocky spires at either end of the bridge. Moreover, the pointed rocks that protrude into the lake are all artificial additions to the bridge. Even though Satan played no part in building this bridge, it was given the moniker Devil’s Bridge because of its delicate arch. It’s very amazing. This bridge is in Kromlau Park, Germany. Kromlau Park is a lovely location to visit in the spring since it is covered in enormous rhododendrons and azaleas. Another fantastic time to visit Rakotzbrücke is in the fall when you can take pictures of the bridge surrounded by the changing leaves.
Dyavolski most bridge, Bulgaria
Dyavolski most bridge, Bulgaria
Overlooking the Arda River in a small canyon stands the Dyavolski Most. It is situated 10 km from the Bulgarian town of Arduino in the Rhodope Mountains and was formerly a part of the ancient road that linked the Thrace lowlands with the northern side of the Aegean Sea.
Ponte da Misarela
Between the civil parishes of Ruives and Ferral, in the Portuguese province of Braga, there is the Bridge of Mizarela. It is a medieval bridge that spans the Rio Rabago. Moreover, it has rebuilt at the start of the 19th century. Local lore claims that the Devil himself constructed it. It is built into an escarpment and installed on rocks that are elevated above the riverbed. It is made out of a single arch with a 13 m span (43 ft).
legend
Ponte da Misarela
According to local legend, a criminal was desperately trying to escape the surrounding town and needed a method to cross the river. He called upon the devil, who graciously offered to assist the guy in exchange for his soul, of course. The guy consented, and the devil built a makeshift bridge that disappeared before the criminal’s pursuers could use it.
According to legend, the bandit was so repentant that he eventually went to a priest to seek forgiveness. A good priest saw the man’s plight and used his rosary and a little holy water to drive the devil from the bridge and make it a permanent structure.
Thank heavens!!!, The Misarela Bridge won’t disappear under the feet of today’s guests. Moreover, anyone may cross the river on foot thanks to the solid stones. In truth, during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, French soldiers did utilize the bridge to escape from British forces.
If you are visiting Ponte da misarela, make sure to observe the sights of the surrounding nature. The area is covered in trees and vegetation, which creeps down the mountain to reach the river and rocks. You could see a waterfall flowing over the rocks next to the bridge after a wet period. People may cool off in the river below in the summer.
Pont Valentre bridge
West of Cahors, France, across the Lot River stands the six-span, fortified stone arch bridge known as the Pont Valentré. It now serves as one of the city’s emblems. Despite its difficult construction, which lasted 70 years from 1308 to 1378 and required a contract with the devil. This so-called “devil’s bridge” was rather prevalent in medieval times, and like most of them, this one involves the sale of souls and Satan’s defeat.
The bridge’s constructor allegedly made a deal with the devil to exchange his soul for the bridge’s completion after realizing that he was severely behind schedule (hopefully this was not the same man who had been toiling away on it for seven decades). However, the bridge was technically never constructed since he gave the devil a sieve to use to transport water for the last batch of mortar. Of course, the devil couldn’t do it. Naturally, Satan was furious, and his best plan of retaliation was to break a stone from the corner of the main tower and remove it every night.
When Paul Gout, an architect, was restoring a building from the 19th century, this tale was told to him to explain why a stone was missing. Inspiringly, he had a stone carving carved depicting the devil tearing a stone out of a tower corner. He still prowls about there.
So, what do you think about these stunning structures that hold beautiful legends? Have you ever visited any of these bridges? Don’t forget to tell me in the comment section.
