Chapel Bridge, Covered wooden footbridge in Lucerne, Switzerland
The Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden footbridge spanning roughly 205 meters across the Reuss River and connecting older parts of town with newer districts. An octagonal water tower built into its middle section is part of the original structure.
It was built in 1365 as part of the city's medieval fortifications and defenses. After a major fire in 1993 destroyed much of it, the structure was carefully rebuilt to match its original design.
The inner panels display paintings from the 1600s that tell stories of Swiss history and religious themes. These images have become a distinctive part of how locals and visitors experience the crossing.
The bridge is open to foot traffic around the clock and offers a straightforward walk across the river. The path is well-lit throughout and flat, making it easy for most visitors to navigate without difficulty.
It holds the distinction of being Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, having survived a devastating fire in 1993 that destroyed a large section. This resilience shows how skilled craftsmanship and restoration work together to preserve such structures.
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