Széchenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Bridge illuminated at night

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was opened in 1849, following the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, making it an iconic symbol of the nation’s history. At the time it was built, the bridge was considered one of the Wonders of the World. It was the first permanent bridge of its kind in Hungary – with a design that spans over the Danube River, it served to join the once separate towns of Buda and Pest to form the thriving city it is today. The bridge is always open to the public for leisure purposes such as walking, cycling, or sightseeing. From one end to the other, its structure is approximately 1,247 feet across and 48 feet wide. At night time, the bridge is lit up for visibility, making for an incredibly breathtaking sight.

 

In popular culture…

Even if you’ve never been to Budapest, you might recognize this bridge from a particular post that made headlines last summer: