Steineren Bruecke by dentremo
Although the Charles bridge in Prague in more famous, they got the idea for that one here in Regensburg. In one of the most impressive feats of medievel engineering, the Steineren Bruecke (Stone Bridge) was built between 1135-46 At the time it was only the third bridge to span the 3000 KM long Danube. There were once large towers on either end of the bridge that are long since gone. When you are there take a look at the southern end of the bridge. If the stones look more modern there, it is because they are. The Nazi's blew up this section of the bridge in April of 1945 as General Patton and the Americans approached.Today, the Steineren Bruecke is still serving the purpose for which it was built. As of ten years or so, automobiles are no longer allowed on the bridge, but busses and Taxis still can still cross it. Otherwise, you will only see pedestrians and bikers on the bridge as they cross from the old city to the island that is formed by the Danube and the modern ship canal.
