5 bridges to see before you die

Some bridges are worth a trip just to see the structure.  Others are worth seeing because of where they are located.  The following five combine those attributes.

Golden Gate

An engineering marvel in a beautiful setting, the Golden Gate Bridge is worth seeing for its colorful self. The fact that it leads to the not-to-be-missed city of San Francisco adds to its charm.  Or, if you are going the other way, the Golden Gate Bridge puts you on to Highway 1 for a dizzying ride along the coast, or route 101 north towards the Redwoods and Oregon.

Sydney Harbor

Not just the site of jaw-dropping New Year’s Eve fireworks display and the backdrop to the famous Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an important artery in and out of the city leading to North Sydney and all points beyond.  It is possible to climb 450 feet to the top, morning, noon and night.  Scary, exhausting but what  view!

Bridge of Sighs

A small, enclosed bridge which draws fascinated tourists in Venice is the Bridge of Sighs over the Rio di Palazzo, a small canal which runs along the side of the Doge’s Palace. The white limestone structure arches over the water and the windows with stone bars give a clue to its purpose, namely to be the most direct route from the court rooms of the palace to the prison over the way.  The windows gave the condemned their last look at freedom, hence the name.

Bosphorus Bridge

Istanbul straddles not just a large body of water, but also two continents. Europe and Asia.  The mile-long Bosphorus Bridge, therefore, is much more significant than merely a way from one part of the city to another.  It leads from Ortaköyin Europe to Beylerbeyi which is in Asia.  The bridge is illuminated by a computerized LED light display.

Khaju Bridge, Iran

If one should happen to find oneself in Iran, one should not miss a visit to Isfahan, a city known for incredible mosaic-covered mosques, palaces, madrassas and bridges.  The most famous of these if the double-story Khaju Bridge.  The upper level was used by horses and carts with vaulted paths on either side reserved for pedestrians. Octagonal pavilions located in the center of the bridge house an art gallery and teahouses.The lower level is a popular place to relax in the shade.