Mária Valéria Bridge, Steel bridge between Esztergom, Hungary and Štúrovo, Slovakia
Mária Valéria Bridge is a steel structure spanning the Danube between Esztergom and Štúrovo, approximately 517 meters long and rising about 14 meters above the water level. The bridge uses a steel truss construction system that allows both vehicles and pedestrians to cross between the two countries.
The bridge was opened in 1895 according to designs by engineer János Feketeházy and initially connected the two riverbanks for the first time. It was destroyed in both world wars and remained inactive for decades until its reconstruction was completed in the early 2000s.
The bridge is named after Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria and serves as a meeting point where Hungarian and Slovak residents cross paths daily. It symbolizes the link between two communities that were historically separated by the river.
Crossing requires no border checkpoints since both countries are part of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement between them. Pedestrians and cyclists can easily use the walkway to travel from one side to the other without delays.
The international border between Hungary and Slovakia runs exactly through the center of the bridge as you cross the river. You can literally stand with one foot in each country while walking from one side to the other.
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