Wonders of the world – Part 3

Looking back on some of the things I have seen and marvelled at I have come to realise that many of them are bridges.  So here are four of the most recent I have photographed.

 The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol UK

 I begin with this striking structure from the city of my birth.  I do not know how many times I have photographed it or had my picture taken with it as a back drop but this is the most recent taken in May of this year.  Designed by the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel it spans the Avon Gorge and was completed in 1864 five years after his death.

 The Águas Livres Aqueduct, Lisbon Portugal

 This 18^th Century aqueduct is one of Lisbon‘s most memorable landmarks and can be seen clearly from passing aeroplanes.  This photograph taken in March 2010 illustrates a marvellous piece of architecture which played important role in supplying water to the city’s inhabitants.

 Under the Ponte 25 de Abril showing Monumento ao Cristo Rei, Lisbon Portugal

 This bridge was completed in 1966.  It is a spectacular sight from any direction, with an overall length of 2278m (approx. 1.5 miles), and the longest central span in Europe (1013m/3323ft), longer than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, which it resembles.  Its foundations also hold the world record by going 80m (262ft) below the riverbed to stand on basalt rock.  This photograph taken the same day as the aqueduct provides a striking contrast and a magnificent view of the statue on the opposite bank.

Tower Bridge, London UK

 What better way to remember 2012 is to see again a photograph of one of the most famous landmarks of London.  It is a beautiful bridge and with the Olympic rings beneath marks a wonderful year in the life of the UK’s capital city.