"B" is for Bridge

This is Day 2 for the

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

for 2013.

My topic for today is Bridges, and I'll share some of my favourites that I've come across while travelling in Europe.

The Pulteney Bridge in Bath, which spans the Avon River, was completed in 1774 and is lined with shops. It was the site for the filming of Javert's suicide in Les Miserables. 

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Another bridge lined with shops is the Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River in Florence. The current bridge dates from 1345 and is said to have been spared from bombing by direct orders from Hitler in WW II.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

London's Tower Bridge was built during the late 1800s and looks older than it is. It's commonly mistaken for London Bridge.

Tower Bridge, London

A contemporary of the Tower Bridge is Pont Alexandre III in Paris, an elaborate bridge spanning the Seine that was named in honor of Tsar Alexander III of Russia. This bridge is decorated by art nouveau lamps and gilded sculptures.

Pont Alexandre III, Paris

The Rialto Bridge in Venice is the oldest to cross the Grand Canal.

Rialto Bridge,Venice

There are now 400 bridges in Venice, connecting over a hundred islands, and even the smallest has its own charm.

And one bridge, the Pont des Arts in Paris, has become a mecca for lovers who inscribe their names on padlocks, fasten them to the side of the bridge and toss the key into the Seine.

Pont des Arts, Paris

Do you have a favourite bridge in Europe?

Next: "C" is for Chair