Father Bernatek footbridge in Kraków, Modern footbridge in Kraków, Poland
The Father Bernatek footbridge spans the Vistula River, connecting Kazimierz and Podgórze districts. Its leaf-shaped steel structure features separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists crossing between the two areas.
Completed in 2010, the bridge replaced an earlier structure that previously connected the two districts. It stands as a memorial to Father Laetus Bernatek, founder of the Brothers Hospitallers hospital in the city.
Ten suspended acrobatic sculptures by Polish artist Jerzy Kędziora float above the bridge, creating an open-air gallery. The artworks have become part of the daily experience for people crossing between the two districts.
The bridge is accessible on foot or by bicycle, with LED lighting ensuring safe crossings during evening hours. Both sides are at ground level, making passage straightforward for everyone.
The railings are covered with thousands of padlocks placed by couples to symbolize their relationships. This practice has become a defining characteristic of the structure.
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