Chain Bridge
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge has become one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Hungarian capital. At one time, it was a real masterpiece of engineering due to the originality of its design and its length. The bridge has retained its architectural grandeur to this day.
History of the Chain Bridge
The first and at that time the only permanent bridge was put into operation in 1849; construction took 9 years. Interestingly, local residents initially did not accept the idea of building a Chain Bridge, fearing for the reliability of its construction. The local builders did not have the necessary experience, but they did have the unrestrained temper of the Danube and ice blocks that could get stuck between the spans, either demolishing the bridge or causing a flood. Moreover, the city did not have enough budget.
The first problem was solved thanks to English designers and builders, the second - thanks to the capital of Count Széchenyi (according to legend, he was late for his father’s funeral due to an unreliable crossing and vowed to build a strong and reliable bridge at his fresh grave). Neither the architect nor the count ever walked through their creation. The first spent most of his time in England, the second ended up in a psychiatric hospital by the time construction was completed.
The opening ceremony of the Chain Bridge took place in a tense atmosphere: shortly before, the uprising was brutally suppressed, so the residents of the capital simply ignored the event. The bridge was originally named the Chain Bridge because of the massive metal chains used to support the individual sections. A little later it was renamed after the philanthropist and ideological inspirer of construction. Now it is called by both names.
In 1913, the bridge was closed for reconstruction, which lasted two years. Then the transport artery served faithfully until 1945, when it was blown up by the Germans in order to delay the advance of the Red Army and allied forces. The restoration (and in fact new construction) of the bridge began only in 1947. Its opening occurred exactly 100 years after the completion of the first construction.
Description of the Chain Bridge
Today's masterpiece of bridge construction has six spans, 375 meters long and 15 meters wide. You can ride along it by car or by public transport, or walk along it, admiring the water panorama and surrounding areas.
The Chain Bridge becomes especially attractive in the evening and at night, when the illumination is turned on, gracefully emphasizing the expressive shapes of the blocks and ancient chains. The lion statues installed at the entrance are popular among tourists. It is believed that if a man who has never cheated on his wife (even in his thoughts) passes by the animal kings, the graceful creatures will wake up from their stone sleep and roar. True, this has not happened yet.
An unusual feature of the sculptures is the absence of tongues. The creator himself responded to complaints about this that lions, unlike dogs, do not stick their tongues out, and those who want to make sure that this organ is present in the mouth of stone predators can climb to a 3-meter height and examine the statues more carefully. The chain bridge is under reconstruction, so the majestic view can only be enjoyed from afar.
