Saphan Makkhawan Rangsan, Historic bridge in Dusit district, Bangkok, Thailand.
Description
Saphan Makkhawan Rangsan is a steel-framed bridge that crosses the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem canal along Ratchadamnoen Avenue. It connects four major roads at a central intersection and functions as an important traffic hub between several districts.
History
Italian architect Carlo Allegri designed this bridge during a construction period of three years. King Chulalongkorn officially opened it on November 1, 1903, as a symbol of modern infrastructure in early Bangkok.
Culture
The bridge displays Italian and Spanish architectural elements with four marble lampposts that represent Erawan, the mythological elephant. These details show how European design was blended with local symbolic meaning in early Bangkok.
Practical
The bridge stands near United Nations offices and the seat of government, serving as a major link between Bang Khun Phrom, Wat Sommanat, and surrounding districts. Visitors can walk across it or view it from a vehicle while exploring the area.
Did you know?
The name translates to 'the bridge that Indra created', though King Chulalongkorn initially had a different name in mind for the structure. This later renaming reveals how the royal vision for the project changed over time.
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