Alte Mainbruecke (Old Main Bridge), Wurzburg (must see)
The Old Main Bridge stands as a historic masterpiece and a defining landmark in W眉rzburg. Its construction, initiated in the 15th century, renders it the oldest bridge spanning the Main River. This iconic structure served as the sole river crossing in W眉rzburg until 1886 and remains an integral part of the city's east-west passage, linking the old town on the right bank of the Main with the Marienberg Fortress on the opposite side.
Primarily designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the Old Main Bridge is more than a utilitarian crossing; it is a cultural gem adorned with stone figures that contribute to the city's distinctive skyline. Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of bridges like Prague's Charles Bridge, the Old Main Bridge pays homage to the Angel's Bridge in Rome from the 18th century.
The bridge's history traces back to around 1120 when the first Romanesque stone bridge, crafted by cathedral and city architect Enzelin, replaced a pre-existing ferry. Legend has it that during the construction, statues from the toppled pagan Freya sanctuary were rediscovered, adding a touch of mystique to the bridge's origin. Over the centuries, the bridge endured challenges such as floods in 1342 and 1442, as well as floating Dutch logs in the river.
After nearly 350 years of service, the Old Main Bridge was replaced by the current structure, a testament to enduring craftsmanship. In 1728/29, twelve statues of saints, including Pippin, the father of the canonized Charles and founder of the Carolingian dynasty, were erected on the bridge. The sculptors behind this masterpiece were the brothers Johann Sebastian Becker and Volkmar Becker, along with the court sculptor Claude Cur茅 from Paris, who joined the project in 1730. Weathering over time led to the destruction of these figures, but meticulous efforts have replaced them with faithful copies.
The statues, arranged in a sequence from the city center to the Mainviertel, weave a narrative that enhances the cultural tapestry of W眉rzburg's old town.
Primarily designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the Old Main Bridge is more than a utilitarian crossing; it is a cultural gem adorned with stone figures that contribute to the city's distinctive skyline. Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of bridges like Prague's Charles Bridge, the Old Main Bridge pays homage to the Angel's Bridge in Rome from the 18th century.
The bridge's history traces back to around 1120 when the first Romanesque stone bridge, crafted by cathedral and city architect Enzelin, replaced a pre-existing ferry. Legend has it that during the construction, statues from the toppled pagan Freya sanctuary were rediscovered, adding a touch of mystique to the bridge's origin. Over the centuries, the bridge endured challenges such as floods in 1342 and 1442, as well as floating Dutch logs in the river.
After nearly 350 years of service, the Old Main Bridge was replaced by the current structure, a testament to enduring craftsmanship. In 1728/29, twelve statues of saints, including Pippin, the father of the canonized Charles and founder of the Carolingian dynasty, were erected on the bridge. The sculptors behind this masterpiece were the brothers Johann Sebastian Becker and Volkmar Becker, along with the court sculptor Claude Cur茅 from Paris, who joined the project in 1730. Weathering over time led to the destruction of these figures, but meticulous efforts have replaced them with faithful copies.
The statues, arranged in a sequence from the city center to the Mainviertel, weave a narrative that enhances the cultural tapestry of W眉rzburg's old town.
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Alte Mainbruecke (Old Main Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Alte Mainbruecke (Old Main Bridge)
Sight Location: Wurzburg, Germany (See walking tours in Wurzburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wurzburg, Germany (See walking tours in Wurzburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wurzburg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Wurzburg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wurzburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wurzburg Introduction Walking Tour
The old Franconian episcopal city and university town of W眉rzburg in the German state of Bavaria boasts a history dating back to the Bronze Age. Originally, the Leistenberg hill presently occupied by Marienberg Fortress was home to a Celtic and later a Roman fort. In the 4th-5th centuries AD, Alamanni settled in the area, followed by the Franks in the 6th-7th centuries.
By 650, W眉rzburg had... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
By 650, W眉rzburg had... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles