© Fazon1Széchenyi Chain Bridge 1849
Széchenyi Chain Bridge 1849
The Bridge
In the 19th century bridge building was taking advantage of new materials to produce longer spans and link cities and communities. One of the most important bridges was built In the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The River Danube divides the city and in 1849 it was bridged by a wrought iron and stone crossing designed by British engineer, William Tierney Clark.
Known as the ‘Chain Bridge’ it became a symbol of Hungary’s modern identity and the linking of east and west. In World War II its deck was blown up by retreating German troops, but it was fully restored and reopened in 1949.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest
Key Facts
One of Europe’s most iconic bridges
Unites a city, a nation, and east and west
Location
Budapest, Hungary
Across the River Danube
Linking Buda and Pest
Bridge designer
William Tierney Clark
Description
Chain suspension bridge
202m main span
375m total length
Engineer for construction
Adam Clark
Construction
Began in 1840
Opened 20 November 1849
Other long-span bridges
