Paris Bridges not only mark the architectural excellence of the French civilization but also reveal the importance of Seine River in the development of Paris. The bridges of Paris have been the major means to cross the voluminous river. From the prehistoric times, Paris or Ile de la Cite have been a highly esteemed region for settlement because of the Seine, which not only served as the major source of water supply but also as a natural obstruction against barbarian invasions.
Today, the Seine dissects Paris into two very distinct regions, namely the Right Bank in the north and the Left Bank in the south. The regions are comprised of several neighborhoods, each being resourceful and special in its own way. Paris bridges also worked as a base for the plant that provided hydraulic power required for the functioning of watermills and other factories. For more than 1,000 years, Paris possessed only 4 bridges. Presently Paris features several bridges of historical significance and practical usage.
Bridges in Paris
The Small Bridge and the Big Bridge were the first bridges to be built in Paris. These two were wooden bridges built in one extended axis. These bridges were used as fortresses, enclosed by gates and towers. The 9th century invasions were also unable to break through these bridges. These two bridges faced continuous destructions, naturally and otherwise. However, the bridges were rebuilt every time to retain the historical importance.
The Oldest Bridge in Paris is the "Pont Neuf" or the Bridge of Tears. The bridge was created by Henry III on May 31st, 1578. Originally the bridge was built of an enormous wooden platform made of intertwining wood
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planks. The structure was quite risky to venture and eventually it became one of the hide outs for the bandits, who robbed their victims and threw them into water. The bridge was properly reconstructed in 1607 and since then it facilitated the movement of merchant ships. It was the first bridge in Paris constructed for the purpose of traffic. Any kind of housing settlement was not allowed on this bridge.
The Alma Bridge in Paris was commissioned by Napoleon III in 1854 to celebrate the triumph of France and England over Russia, in Crimea. This bridge was built entirely of stone and had marvelous inscriptions of “Grands Travaux”. Since the bridge was very narrow, it was eventually rebuilt by metal between 1970 and 1974. This bridge is a means of measuring the water level of the Seine.
The Alexander III Bridge in Paris was built for the 1900 World Fair. It is one of the most beautiful and elegantly decorated bridges in Paris.
The Grenelle Bridge in Paris is situated at the downstream near the national public radio building. Initially it was built of wood but then it was rebuilt with iron in 1874. This bridge is unique as it, symmetrically divides like a long sliver land exactly in the middle of the Seine. For its unique structure the Grenelle Bridge is named as the "Swan Alley".
There are many other Paris bridges, which hold special significance in the engineering excellence of the city. Some of them are Pont Amont, Pont de Tolbiac, Pont National, Pont de l'Archevêché, Pont d'Austerlitz, Pont de Bercy, Pont Sully, Pont Charles de Gaulle and so on.
These bridges enhance the beauty of the spectacular French city and at the same time make transportation in and around Paris easy and comfortable.
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