Nature Bridges constructs beautiful, environmentally conscious bridges. Our designs are modern and custom-built based on the landscape and the needs of our customers. We hope that some of our bridges one day live up to the names of some of these.

Caravan Bridge

There are some older bridges near Mycenae, Greece, but they’re not still being used. The oldest bridge in the world that is still in use is the Caravan Bridge in Izmir, Turkey. This bridge is over the Meles River and led into what was once known as the city of Smyrna. It was built in 850 B.C. That’s almost 3,000 years ago!  The Caravan Bridge is a single arch bridge made of slab stone. It’s not only famous for its age. Saint Paul from the Bible crossed it. The poet Homer was born near it and featured it in his poetry.

London Tower Bridge

London Tower Bridge, in London, England, is on the River Thames and is one of the most recognized bridges in the world. Construction was started in 1886, but the bridge wasn’t completed until 1894. It looks older than it is by design. The original builders wanted it to blend in with a nearby bridge, the London Bridge that was originally built in 1209 and rebuilt in 1799. That’s right; London Tower Bridge is not the one in the nursery rhyme! Tower Bridge has high-level walkways so that people can still walk over it when the main part of the bridge is raised, though they were closed early in the 1900s because they weren’t used often. The bascules, moving parts that allow the bridge to be raised so boats can pass through, were originally powered by steam. Since 1976, the bascules use electricity. Bascules serve the same purpose as a drawbridge, but pivot like a seesaw. Drawbridges use ropes or chains to pull up the road instead.

Golden Gate Bridge

Another recognized bridge is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. This bridge isn’t over a river, but crosses San Francisco Bay. Construction began in 1933 after more than 10 years of planning

The Golden Gate Bridge is known for more than just its length and the fact that it has held up during earthquakes. It has a unique design and color, as well as dramatic lighting. Some people consider it one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. These bridges all have a unique style, but are suited for the location and use, just like our bridges. For your next bridge, let us know if you want to incorporate any of the design elements from the world’s historical bridges! We’ll be happy to see how we can make your bridge as unique and beautiful as these.