There are some structures in Europe that raised suspicion among the common people. And these six bridges are said to be linked directly to the gates of Hell.
1. Les Ferreres Aqueduct, Spain
This ancient bridge was part of a Roman aqueduct constructed 2000 years ago to bring water to the ancient city of Tarraco, today’s Tarragona in Catalonia. It spans 249 meters (817 ft) and reaches a maximum height of 27 meters (89 ft). It consists of 2 levels of arches: the upper one has 25 arches, and the lower one has 11.
2. Ceredigion, Wales, UK
The Devil’s Bridge/Pontarfynach in Ceredigion, Wales, is unusual because it actually consists of three bridges built on top of each other. The previous bridges were never demolished. The original bridge is medieval, dating back to 1075–1200, while the second one is a stone bridge from the 18th century. It was placed on top of the first one when it was believed to be no longer stable. In the 20th century, the bridge last bit was added to strengthen the entire construction.
3. Pont Valentré, France
The 14th-century bridge consists of six Gothic arches and three square bridge towers. It has become the symbol of the town crossing the River Lot in Cahors in south-central France.
4. Ponte della Maddalena, Italy
This devil’s bridge with one large arch and three smaller ones in the province of Lucca (nearby Pisa and Florence) inspired many folktales and artists alike. It was probably commissioned by the Countess Matilda of Tuscany in the 11th century. Before a dam was built after WWII, the water level was lower, which would have made the structure perhaps even more impressive-looking.
5. Dyavolski most, Bulgaria
Dyavolski most lies over the Arda river in southern Bulgaria, not far from the Greek border. It was constructed between 1515–1518 upon the remains of an ancient Roman bridge on the road between the Aegean region and Northern Thracian valley (Gornotrakiyski Nizina). In 1984, it became a cultural monument.
6. Andermatt, Switzerland
Andermatt is a story of three bridges. Stretching across the Ruess River, the first documented bridge through the Schöllenen Gorge was built in 1230. This wooden bridge is now long gone but still forms part of the history of this particular devil’s bridge. The locals built the second bridge after the first one was badly damaged during the Napoleonic Wars and in the 1950s, they built another sturdier one. Nowadays, both bridges still stand there.
The devil became upset and wanted to destroy the bridge with a large rock when an old lady with a cross stopped him. This 12-m-high devil’s stone can be seen near Göschenen in Switzerland.
(with inputs from KIWI)
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