Photo: other places, The stone bridge , Bavaria

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The first stone bridge in Europe

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Construction of the Stone Bridge over the Danube started in 1135 by order of the local duke Ludwig VII. It was intended for the participants of the Second Crusade to cross the river. The construction lasted nine years. Erection of a stone bridge was a real miracle at that time. The Stone Bridge in Regensburg has served as a model for future similar constructions in Europe. In particular, it is believed that the Charles Bridge in Prague was created in the image and likeness of the Regensburg’s one. As for the Stone Bridge, it has been the only crossing over the Danube in the city boundaries for almost eight centuries. Now it is one of the main attractions of Regensburg.

There is an interesting legend telling the history of the bridge creation. Allegedly, the architect of the bridge bet with the architect of Regensburg Cathedral, which was also under construction (in fact, that is not so), as to whose structure would be completed first. The erection of the cathedral was faster, and then the bridge builder made a pact with the devil. The latter had to help with the construction of the bridge, and the architect in return willed to the Devil the souls of the first three travelers who would cross the stone bridge. The bridge was actually built quicker than the Cathedral, but the crafty architect let the cock, hen and dog go first over the bridge. The devil in anger tried to destroy the bridge, but he failed.

The first stone bridge in Europe

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