Alte Mainbruecke (Old Main Bridge), Wurzburg (must see)

The Old Main Bridge stands as a historic masterpiece and a defining landmark in Würzburg. Its construction, initiated in the 15th century, renders it the oldest bridge spanning the Main River. This iconic structure served as the sole river crossing in Würzburg until 1886 and remains an integral part of the city's east-west passage, linking the old town on the right bank of the Main with the Marienberg Fortress on the opposite side.

Primarily designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the Old Main Bridge is more than a utilitarian crossing; it is a cultural gem adorned with stone figures that contribute to the city's distinctive skyline. Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of bridges like Prague's Charles Bridge, the Old Main Bridge pays homage to the Angel's Bridge in Rome from the 18th century.

The bridge's history traces back to around 1120 when the first Romanesque stone bridge, crafted by cathedral and city architect Enzelin, replaced a pre-existing ferry. Legend has it that during the construction, statues from the toppled pagan Freya sanctuary were rediscovered, adding a touch of mystique to the bridge's origin. Over the centuries, the bridge endured challenges such as floods in 1342 and 1442, as well as floating Dutch logs in the river.

After nearly 350 years of service, the Old Main Bridge was replaced by the current structure, a testament to enduring craftsmanship. In 1728/29, twelve statues of saints, including Pippin, the father of the canonized Charles and founder of the Carolingian dynasty, were erected on the bridge. The sculptors behind this masterpiece were the brothers Johann Sebastian Becker and Volkmar Becker, along with the court sculptor Claude Curé from Paris, who joined the project in 1730. Weathering over time led to the destruction of these figures, but meticulous efforts have replaced them with faithful copies.

The statues, arranged in a sequence from the city center to the Mainviertel, weave a narrative that enhances the cultural tapestry of Würzburg's old town.