Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sean Lucas

The Giants Causeway

OK, so it’s not strictly a bridge, but you can’t make a list of bridge-like forms in the UK and Ireland without mentioning the Giants Causeway.  It’s formed of about 400 interlocking basalt columns and is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. In legend, the causeway was built by an Irish warrior named Fionn, in order to beat his Scottish challenger Benandonner. Fionn never faced his rival, but hid under a blanket and his wife Oonagh pretended that he was their baby. Benandonner is said to have seen this giant baby and fled in terror, imagining that Fionn must be huge indeed.

Chelmer Viaduct

A viaduct is a bridge composed of several small spans. They are often used to allow for multiple types of traffic to cross across a space. They can span land or water. The viaduct at Chelmer is due for refurbishment to turn it into a greater beauty spot. The current viaduct and bridge are both due for replacement because of their great age. To remain a functioning bridge and avoid being slapped with a weight restriction, the viaduct needs to be overhauled. They will be redesigned by a leading architecture firm – turning this old viaduct into one of England’s more unusual bridges.

Reflections Bridge, Loch Awe Scotland

With a very evocative name, the Reflections Bridge at Loch Awe Scotland is situated in one of the top 5 most beautiful Lochs in the country. Loch is the Scottish word for lake, and there are very many lochs in Scotland. Loch Awe is the longest inland loch, but not the largest by surface area (that’s Loch Lomond), or the deepest (Loch Ness). It’s pretty narrow, which means that building a bridge from one side to the other is a possibility.  The Scottish lochs are known for their clear and still reflections, which makes the Reflections bridge a great place to take a camera and a must-see when visiting the North Argyll Glens.

Architectural landmarks are best when they complement nature and these bridges certainly do. Britain is known for the engineering explosion that took place in the 19th century and also for its stunning continuous coastline. There are 24 bridges in London alone and the longest of these is the Humber bridge.

Robert Jefferson is an English writer who likes writing about architecture, travel and unusual bridges.

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Famous Balcony, Juliet’s House, Verona, Italy by Elliott Brown

In ancient times, there was a Roman colony at the site of Verona, which over time turned into a prominent city-state’s and a capital of the whole region. Greatest importance, however, Verona got in the Middle Ages, when the invaders’ king Theodor changed its status to a royal city. At that time the city was under rule of Scaliger’s, later Milanese Visconti’s and finally it fell under the Venetian Republic, and remained so until the advent of Napoleon. Then the city came under the power of Austria, which lasted until the unification of Italy in 1866.

Verona currently has around 270 thousand inhabitants, it is a very prosperous city and a center of culture. It is also one of the most beautiful historic cities of northern Italy and has a lot to offer. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to Italy”. If exploring the city, you will be surprised as the most of the monuments and museums are located relatively close together, so it is pleasant and easy walk.

Verona Arena, Italy by Kevin Poh

The most visitors begins their tour at the famous Arena in Piazza Bra. Arena comes from the 1st century AD and after the Roman Colosseum and Capua, near Naples, it is the third largest amphitheater in Italy. The arena is very well preserved, it lacks only the third layer, which was destroyed by the earthquake in 1183. It has stone seats and can holds more than 20 thousand spectators. The amphitheater was used for public executions, fairs, theater and opera performances and bullfighting. At present, this amphitheater is mainly used for the famous summer opera festival.

Then you can take a walk through the pedestrian zone of Via Mazzini, which is lined with many souvenir shops. This street leads to Piazza delle Erbe, which is the medieval heart of the city. Long ago there was a Roman Forum, now you will find bustling marketplaces here, cafes and buildings of different styles. There is e.g. a beautiful brick house Casa dei Mercanti of 1301, which served as a exchange and later as warehouse for buyers. The centre of the square is decorated with several monuments, such as Capitello, Berlina, Colona di San Marco and a beautiful fountain from 1523 with the statue “Madonna Verona”.

Piazza dei Signori, Verona, Italy by Richard, enjoy my life!

Once you walk through the arch, you get to the Piazza dei Signori, which was in the past the main square of Verona. It is dominated by banded Palace Palazzo del Comune, whose construction started in 1193. It served as a city hall, but later was used as the Court. On the right you can see the tower Torre dei Lamberti, of which you can enjoy a superb view of the city. Other important monuments are the brick palace Palazzo degli Scaligeri and Renaissance Loggia del Consiglio. In the middle you can see a statue of Dante from 1301.

What to visit in Verona

• Piazza dei Signori
• Porta Borsari
• Verona Arena
• Basilica di San Zeno
• Ponte Scaligero
• Statue of Dante Alighieri
• Sant’Anastasia church
• The Balcony of Juliet’s house

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