Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge turns 75: Here are 9 other iconic bridges around the world

'We build too many walls and not enough bridges," said the great mathematician Isaac Newton. However, the ones that are built around the world are not just visually alluring but also have an interesting history attached to them. Built in different designs and forms, each bridge serves a particular purpose and adds a unique aesthetic value to the area. he iconic structure, the Howrah Bridge completes 75 years of its existence in 2018. Here are some of the other iconic bridges around the world.

Howrah Bridge, Kolkata, India

Opened: 1943

Did you know: Connecting the twin city of Kolkata and Howrah, on either sides of River Hooghly in Bengal, the Howrah Bridg is one of the busiest bridges on the country. Renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965 after Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the suspension-type balanced cantilever bridge has a central span of 1,500 ft between centres of main towers. Even though the vintage structure has been around for more than seven decades and even stood witness to the Second World War, it is ironically called the ‘New’ Howrah Bridge. (Source: Apoorva Karlekar/Wikimedia Commons)

Tower Bridge, London, United Kingdom

Opened: 1894

Did you know: The Tower Bridge in London, which was built between 1886 and 1894, is a combination of both bascule and suspension bridge. Built over the River Thames, the bridge crosses the water body and reaches close to the Tower of London. Often confused with the London Bridge, Tower bridge is an iconic symbol of London. (Source: Diliff/Wikimedia Commons)

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

Opened: 1932

Did you know: Connecting the Sydney central business district and the North Shore, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic steel through-arch bridge (referring to its half-arch shape). Known for its dramatic view, the nearby harbour and the Sydney Opera House, this magnificent bridge is quite a stunner. (Source: Adam JWC/Wikimedia Commons)

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

Opened: Not known, but said to be the only bridge across Arno, Florence, till 1218. Rebuilt (in its current form): 1345

Did you know: Built over the Arno River the Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge in Florence, Italy. Apparently, the bridge was destroyed by floods twice and was finally built in 1345. (Source: Jebulon/Wikimedia Commons)

The Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy

Opened: 1591

Did you know: One of the oldest bridges out of the four spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, the Rialto Bridge connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. First built as a pontoon bridge in the 12th century, this bridge has been rebuilt several times. The present stone bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte and completed in 1591. (Source: Pauk/Wikimedia Commons)

Millau Viaduct, Millau, France

Opened: 2004

Did you know: The Millau Viaduct, a fairly new construction, is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the gorge valley of the River Tarn near Millau in southern France. At its highest point, the bridge soars 343m, earning the title of the tallest bridge in the world. (Source: Magnus Manske/Wikimedia Commons)

Bandra–Worli Sea Link, Mumbai, India

Opened: 2009

Did you know: The Bandra–Worli Sea Link, which took around 10 years to construct, is a cable-stayed bridge with concrete-steel viaducts on either side that links Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. The first four of the eight lanes were opened to public in 2009 and the rest opened in 2010. (Source: Joe Ravi/Wikimedia Commons)

Brooklyn Bridge, Brookly, New York

Opened:1883

Did you know: A hybrid of cable-stayed and suspension bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States. The construction of this bridge, which connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, spanning the East River, took over 14 years. (Source: Musik Animal/Wikimedia Commons)

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Opened:1402

Did you know: While the construction of the Charles Bridge began in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV it only finished in the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge took around 45 years to complete and replaced the the old Judith Bridge built during 1158–1172. This bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. (Source: Jorge Royan/Wikimedia Commons)

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Opened:1937

Did you know: Spanning the Golden Gate the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge with a 1.6km strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The construction of this structure started in 1933 and was completed within a span of four years. At the time of its opening, this bridge was both the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world. (Source: Octagon/Wikimedia Commons)