The inhabited bridge is a structure that in addition to its basic
function of bridging physical obstacles, such as a body of water,
valley, or road, can also perform residential and commercial functions.
These bridges are rare in the world and for that reason are very popular
among tourists.
01. Ponte Vecchio - Italy
Photo — Link
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. It is believed that a
bridge already existed here during the Roman times. Its current
appearance dates back to 1345 when it was built to replace a bridge
which was destroyed by a flood. Houses were built on the bridge, a
common practice in large European cities during the Middle Ages.
Photo — Link
The houses on the bridge were initially used as workshops and a diverse
array of shopkeepers such as butchers and tanners did business here. In
1593 duke Ferdinand I decided to replace them with goldsmiths,
reportedly because the shops produced too much garbage and caused a foul
stench. 18 more images after the break..
Photo — Link
Today the houses are used as shops selling a wide assortment of jewelry,
ranging from affordable modern jewels to pricey antiques. Link — Map
02. Krämerbrücke - Germany
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The Krämerbrücke is a bridge in the Thuringian city of Erfurt in Germany
which is covered with inhabited, half timbered buildings on both sides.
It is unique in Europe north of the Alps. The footbridge spans the
Breitstrom, a branch of Gera River, connecting Benediktsplatz and
Wenigemarkt.
Photo — Link
Currently mostly artisans and antique shops can be found in the 32
houses on Krämer Bridge. Except for the houses numbered 15, 20, 24 and
33, all houses are municipal property. The building was and is a
touristic highlight and a must-see.
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The municipal administration maintains a foundation for the conservation
of this unique historical monument, the Krämerbrücke Foundation. The
greatest city festival of Erfurt is named after the bridge:
Krämerbrückenfest. It is held around the bridge and in the old town
annually in June. Link — Map
03. Pont de Rohan - France
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Pont de Rohan is inhabited bridge in Landerneau in north-western France.
This bridge spans the river Élorn. Since 1336, when it was built, it
was restored in 1510 by Jean II de Rohan (nobleman from 15th-century).
Originally contained two stores, a mill and a prison.
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Today Pont de Rohan contains two lines of houses on both sides and represents a landmark of Landerneau (a commune in Brittany). Link — Map
04. Covered Bridge - Bulgaria
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The Covered Bridge is, as the name suggests, a covered bridge in the
town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting
the old and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most
recognisable symbol of the town.
Photo — Link
After the bridge that then served the town was almost completely
destroyed by a flood in 1872, the local police chief ordered the famous
Bulgarian master builder Kolyu Ficheto to construct a new one. Ficheto
personally chose the material for the wooden bridge. Each citizen of
Lovech contributed to the building process, the poorer ones working
themselves and the wealthier donating money and paying other workers.
Building finished in 1874.
The interior of the bridge Photo — Link
The initial bridge had a length of 84 m (276 ft) and 6 vents and
accommodated 64 shops. It was, however, wholly destroyed by fire on the
night of 2 to 3 August 1925. A more modern bridge was constructed at its
place in 1931 only to be replaced by a reconstruction of Kolyu
Ficheto's design in 1981-1982. The current bridge is 106 m (350 ft) long
and has 14 shops, the architect being Zlatev. Link — Map
05. Pont des Marchands - France
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The Pont des Marchands is a historic bridge in Narbonne, southern
France. It serves as a foundation for a row of houses and shops
underneath which the Canal de la Robine runs through the old town.
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Its segmental arch has a span of 15 m (50 ft). In Roman times the structure featured as many as six arches. Link — Map
06. Pulteney Bridge - UK
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Pulteney Bridge is a bridge that crosses the River Avon, in Bath,
England. It was completed in 1773 and is designated by English Heritage
as a grade I listed building.
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The bridge was designed by Robert Adam, whose working drawings are
preserved in the Sir John Soane's Museum, and is one of only four
bridges in the world with shops across the full span on both sides.
Shops on the bridge include a flower shop, antique map shop, and juice
bar. Link — Map
07. Frome Town Bridge - UK
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This inhabited bridge is located in Frome, a town in northeast Somerset,
England. Frome Town Bridge was built in 1667. On the bridge is located
building with several shops.
Additional 1: Bridge House - UK
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Bridge House in Ambleside, was built over Stock Ghyll (stream) more than
300 years ago probably as a summer house and apple store for Ambleside
Hall. The building was purchased by local people in 1926 and given to
the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty.
Photo — Link
It is now used as an information centre for the National Trust, and is part of the Trust's Windermere and Troutbeck property. Link
Additional 2: The Old Mill - France
Photo — Link
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