We all know what results from uniting Buda with Pest, but this is the bridge that physically does it, a suspension bridge, spanning 375metres, across the Danube. This was the first permanent bridge built to join the two cities, which seems a bit late considering it wasn’t finished until 1849, but its cast iron grace was well worth waiting for – and it was rated as one of the most beautiful industrial monuments in Europe. It’s two Arc de Triomphe inspired arches were damaged, as was the iron work, in the Second World War and it was repaired in 1949, for its centenary.

If the bare facts don’t excite you, you may appreciate the story about the sculptor of the two lions, which were added to either end of the bridge in 1852. Because most people see the lions from below a rumour started that the sculptor had forgotten to give them tongues and that the sculptor was so mocked for it that he jumped into the Danube in shame – in truth the lions do have tongues and the sculptor’s reply to his detractors was that “Your wife should have a tongue just as my lions have, and woe will be unto you!”. Though he did jump into the Danube when a little boy quizzed him on it.

Written by  Emilie Stokes.

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