Bridges have connected people and places for thousands of years, serving as essential links across rivers, valleys, and rugged landscapes. Some of the world’s oldest ones, built by ancient civilizations, still stand today as remarkable testaments to human ingenuity and enduring craftsmanship. These reveal the advanced engineering and architectural skills of their time, and many continue to be used for their original purpose. Here are the oldest bridges in the world, each with a unique story and place in history.
Charles Bridge
Spanning the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic, Charles Bridge was commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, replacing an older bridge destroyed by a flood. This Gothic bridge features 16 arches and is lined with Baroque statues, making it a landmark of Prague’s architectural heritage. Originally known as Stone Bridge, it became Charles Bridge in the 19th century, honoring its founder. It played a strategic role in medieval trade and military movements between Eastern and Western Europe. It is now exclusively pedestrian, attracting thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its history and scenic views. Withstanding numerous floods and repairs, it remains a testament to the resilience of medieval architecture.
Ponte Vecchio
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, constructed in 1345, is among Italy’s most iconic medieval bridges, spanning the Arno River with three arches. Built to replace an older structure destroyed by floods, it features an unusual design with shops on both sides, historically housing butchers before transitioning to goldsmiths. Its unique architecture has made it a significant part of Florence’s cultural landscape. It famously survived World War II bombings, allegedly spared by Hitler himself due to its beauty. Today, it remains in use, drawing tourists to its historic shops and scenic views.
Anji Bridge
Anji Bridge, also known as Zhaozhou Bridge, in Hebei, China, was completed during the Sui Dynasty around 605 CE and is the oldest surviving open-spandrel stone arch bridge. Designed by architect Li Chun, it spans the Xiao River with a single, elegant arch, showcasing advanced engineering skills of ancient China. Its construction techniques, such as the use of a thin arch to reduce weight, were groundbreaking for their time. Despite enduring earthquakes and floods, it remains structurally sound and is still accessible to pedestrians. It represents one of the earliest uses of segmental arches, influencing bridge design in Asia. It stands as a symbol of China’s rich architectural heritage. It continues to be celebrated for its artistic and functional design.
Alcántara Bridge
Built in 104 CE by order of the Roman Emperor Trajan, the Alcántara Bridge crosses the Tagus River in Alcántara, Spain. Constructed to commemorate Trajan’s rule, it spans 194 meters and features six arches, reaching up to 45 meters in height. It served both as a vital transportation route and a defensive structure for the region. Despite suffering damage over centuries, including from wars and natural wear, it has been restored multiple times. The central arch bears an inscription dedicating the bridge to Trajan, marking its historical significance. Today, it remains in use, allowing light vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It exemplifies Roman engineering resilience, remaining a symbol of Spain’s ancient heritage.
Bridge of Tiberius
The Bridge of Tiberius, located in Rimini, Italy, was built during the reigns of Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, completed in 20 CE. This five-arched stone bridge spans the Marecchia River, originally facilitating travel between Rome and the Adriatic coast. Constructed from Istrian stone, it reflects Roman engineering precision, particularly in its resistance to earthquakes and floods. Over two millennia, it has endured significant wear yet remains structurally sound and in use for both pedestrians and vehicles. Its enduring functionality demonstrates the Roman Empire’s lasting influence on infrastructure design. Known locally as Ponte di Tiberio, it is a protected cultural monument. It continues to link modern Rimini with its ancient Roman past.
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge in southern France, was built around 50 CE to supply water to the Roman colony of Nemausus (modern-day Nîmes). Constructed with three tiers of arches, it stands 49 meters high and spans the Gardon River, showcasing the engineering expertise of its builders. Its construction involved meticulously cut stones, fitted without mortar, reflecting the Romans’ advanced architectural techniques. Though primarily an aqueduct, it also served as a bridge and remains remarkably well-preserved. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its beauty and functionality make it a symbol of Roman innovation and public infrastructure. It also played a crucial role in ancient water management, demonstrating the Romans’ attention to urban planning.
Pons Fabricius
In the heart of Rome, Italy, the Pons Fabricius stands as the city’s oldest Roman bridge still in its original state, built in 62 BCE. This stone bridge connects the Tiber Island to the mainland, facilitating movement across the Tiber River for over two millennia. Commissioned by Lucius Fabricius, the curator of roads, it features two main arches and a smaller flood arch to manage water flow. Remarkably, it remains in use today, primarily serving pedestrians exploring Rome’s historic center. Its enduring structure exemplifies the engineering prowess of ancient Roman architects. It is also known as the “Bridge of the Four Heads” due to the two marble pillars with four-faced herms at its entrance.
Caravan Bridge
Spanning the Meles River in Izmir, Turkey, the Caravan Bridge is considered the oldest datable bridge still in use, constructed around 850 BCE. This simple, single-arch stone bridge has facilitated travel and trade for over 2,800 years. Historically, it served as a critical point for caravans entering and leaving the ancient city of Smyrna. Its enduring presence underscores the durability of early engineering techniques. Today, it continues to accommodate pedestrians, connecting modern Izmir with its rich past. The Meles River is famously associated with the ancient poet Homer, adding literary significance to its location. Its longevity offers a tangible link to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.
Tarr Steps
Nestled in Exmoor National Park, Somerset, England, the Tarr Steps is a clapper bridge believed to date back to around 1000 BCE. This ancient structure spans the River Barle and consists of 17 massive stone slabs, each weighing up to two tons. The term “clapper” derives from the Latin “claperius,” meaning “pile of stones,” reflecting its simple yet effective construction. Despite its age, it remains in use, primarily by pedestrians exploring the scenic surroundings. Local folklore suggests that the bridge was built by the Devil, who wanted a place to sunbathe. Periodic flooding has caused damage over the centuries, but it has been consistently restored to maintain its historical integrity. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, highlighting its cultural and historical significance in the UK.
Arkadiko Bridge
Located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, the Arkadiko Bridge dates back to around 1300–1190 BCE, making it one of the oldest arch bridges still in use. Constructed during the Mycenaean era, this limestone bridge was part of a military road connecting Tiryns to Epidaurus. Its corbelled arch design, typical of Mycenaean architecture, allowed chariots to pass, indicating its importance in ancient transportation networks. Measuring approximately 22 meters in length and 5.6 meters in width, its enduring structure highlights the advanced engineering skills of its builders. Remarkably, it remains accessible to pedestrians today, serving as a testament to ancient craftsmanship. It is also known as the Kazarma Bridge and is one of four similar Mycenaean bridges in the area.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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