Carl Theodor Bridge , better known as the Old Bridge - is an arched bridge over the river Nekarr near the ancient city of Heidelberg. The bridge connects the old part of town to the opposite shore Neckar and newer residential districts of the city.Old bridge in its present form was built in 1788 by Elector Karl Theodor , and was the ninth bridge, built on the site. Today, Karl Theodor Bridge is one of the most famous sights of Heidelberg.

 

History.

As we age, barely more than two centuries ended in 1788, Old Bridge really is relatively young . Old Bridge gets its unofficial name of a new once in 1877 west of a bridge was built by Theodore Goyssa .

 

In fact, the bridge , built in 1788 was preceded by eight other bridges built since the 13th century.The southern city gate with guard towers , there are also from the Middle Ages .

 

The last of the bridges of the predecessor was destroyed by disastrous floods and vanishing ice in 1784.

 

Second World War.

Despite the fact that the old Heidelberg virtually untouched by the destruction , March 29, 1945 Engineering and engineering units in the Wehrmacht retreat before the approaching Americans blew up the bridges of Heidelberg . The old bridge was blown up by the fifth and sixth columns.Undermining was meaningless : the next day, 63 U.S. Infantry Division came in Heidelberg without a fight.

 

Immediately after the war the inhabitants of the city have announced donations to rebuild the bridge, which began March 14, 1946 , and July 26, 1947 have been held grand opening of the restored buildings.

 

Bridge.

The baroque Old Bridge is a continuation of the stone street leading from the old town to the mountain sacred . Under the Bridge is a road B37, whose expansion led to the restructuring of the arches of the bridge in 1969/1970 , respectively. The total length of the bridge 200 meters with an average width of 7 m.

 

The old bridge - one of the last examples of classical art of building bridges , because in the 19th century stone building was largely replaced by iron. The high value of the bridge is caused not only architectural value , but the location in the valley Nekarr and hence opening a view of the Heidelberg Castle .

 

The architectural elements of the Old Bridge

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