From the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado to Ponte Vecchio in Italy, bridges are more than pretty backdrops. History, innovation and construction feats are built into these picturesque connectors. Whether you love the thrill of the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge or the history of the Khaju Bridge, here are some beautiful bridges worth traveling for.
Royal Gorge Bridge | Canon City, CO
Adrenaline junkies and fans of the highwire acrobat Nick Wallenda can test their fear factor at America’s highest suspension bridge. The Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, Colorado, is stretched a whopping 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Built solely for people to enjoy — it is not part of a road or highway system — the Royal Gorge Bridge was first built in 1929 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking the bridge and taking selfies aren’t the only things you can do here. Test your fear of heights even more with the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which goes 1,200 feet over the edge of the Royal Gorge, or learn more about the bridge’s history at the Plaza Theater. RoyalGorgeBridge.com
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge | China
If the Royal Gorge Bridge doesn’t provide enough of an adrenaline rush, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in China sure will. This bridge is the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Spanning two mountains in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, this bridge is not for the faint of heart. As they walk the 1,410 footlong bridge, visitors can look down 984 feet at the world below. Height-averse people will surely want to avoid this bridge and its 20-foot width — only 600 people are allowed on the bridge at one time, and visitors enter in batches. If even that isn’t scary enough for you, around 50 miles away from the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, which is home to three glass skywalks hanging to vertical cliffs 4,600 feet high. ChinaHighlights.com
Khaju Bridge | Isfahan, Iran
History buffs, art history majors and lovers of unique destinations will never tire of the beautiful sights and sounds of this bridge. Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran, was built around 1650 and has 23 arches that span its length. Built under the reign of the Persian Safavid King Shah Abbas II, the bridge also serves as a place for public meetings. But it truly comes to life at night when decorative lights illuminate its arches. Original tile work and paintings also adorn this bridge, allowing visitors to marvel at both the bridge’s architecture and artistic history. Walking around the bridge and its pavilion, guests will be able to admire the stone seat Shah Abbas once sat on and reflect on the bridge’s 350-year history. Described as one of the most famous bridges in Iran, Khaju Bridge is not to be missed. Itto.org/Iran
Ponte Vecchio | Florence, Italy
During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy was one of the few bridges that escaped destruction by Germany. First built in 966 over the Arno River and then rebuilt following a flood in 1345, Ponte Vecchio — also known as Old Bridge — is rich in history. However, those less interested in the past can look forward to the shops, which have been there since the 13th century, that line the Ponte Vecchio. So it’s a perfect destination for those ready to indulge in Italian retail. Early on in the life of the shops on Ponte Vecchio, all kinds of shops flourished, including butchers and fishmongers. However, this also allowed odors to develop — which is why in 1593, Ferdinand I proclaimed that only goldsmiths and jewelers could have shops on the bridge. So now visitors just have to look out for the chic, luxurious destinations that await to be explored. VisitFlorence.com