Pittsburgh is known as The City of Bridges

We’re located, after all, just a few miles north of Pittsburgh, PA – “The City of Bridges.” With three major rivers, countless steep hills, and a few deep ravines, Pittsburgh’s 446 bridges are vital to our way of life, as well as our sense of identity.

(It’s no wonder I get lost every time I go somewhere new. I usually have no idea which river I just crossed or what bridge to cross to get back. I can’t remember 446 of ‘em!)

The literal definition of a bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles without closing the way underneath such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle.

Bridges have a long history… The Arkadiko Bridge in Greece, for example, is one of four arch bridges designed for chariot crossing, no less. Over 2000 years old, it is one of the oldest arch bridges that is still in use today.

Then there were the ancient Romans – masters of building aqueducts and bridges that lasted for centuries. You can still see their work standing many places in Europe.

Aqueduct in Southern France — ancient remnant from the Roman Empire

The symbolism of bridges goes back just as far as physical bridges themselves. They represent transition, a way to overcome obstacles, opportunity, or a link between two worlds. Writers, artists, poets, and songwriters have always been inspired by bridges.

Remember this one? “Bridge over Troubled Water” is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel from their fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970). Garfunkel’s soaring vocals always give me chills whenever I hear this song.  https://youtu.be/H_a46WJ1viA

One of the most moving love stories ever written, “Bridges of Madison County” by Robert James Waller was first a best-selling novel and then made into film with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. A photographer goes on assignment to shoot the historic bridges of Madison County. He meets a housewife, whose husband and children are away on a trip, and begins a brief affair that is never sordid but instead one of two soul mates who have met too late. <sigh>  https://youtu.be/Up-oN4NtvbM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do children still play “London Bridge Is Falling Down” these days? This traditional English nursery rhyme and singing game is found in different versions all around the world. Possibly dating back to the late Middle Ages, the earliest records in English are from the seventeenth century. “Modern” lyrics were first printed in the mid-eighteenth century and became popular, particularly in Britain and the United States, in the nineteenth century.

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhh, the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think the most romantic bridge of all is The Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. It passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects to the Doge’s Palace. Local legend says that lovers will be granted eternal love and bliss if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs as the bells of St Mark’s toll.

• Images above: CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Slightly Smaller Scale: Garden Bridges from Fifthroom.com

But now it’s time to discuss bridges on a more personal level and on a somewhat smaller scale. There are many different designs — each serve a particular purpose and apply to different situations. Designs of bridges vary depending on the function of the bridge, the nature of the terrain where the bridge is constructed, and the material used to make it!

 

YOU CAN

CREATE A DRAMATIC FOCAL POINT

IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD: garden bridges from Fifthroom

 

Whether crossing a trickling stream, arcing above a koi pond, connecting two pathways, or simply gracing a lawn, garden bridges from www.Fifthroom.com create an instant focal point for your landscape. Want to add more curb appeal? A bridge is one of the best yet easiest investments you can make! Some of our bridges can even be uninstalled if you should move.

Our garden bridges are available in so many wonderful designs that we encourage you to check out our website to explore! Handcrafted from the highest quality woods and hardware, available with optional stains, each one is designed to last for years — resistant to termites, rust, and decay.

 

 

 And so many more to choose from! Check out the fine selection of GARDEN BRIDGES at www.Fifthroom.com today!