Széchenyi Chain Bridge

This suspended structure, both heavy and delicate, is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s most iconic sights. Named after its creator, it was inaugurated in 1849, and became the first bridge to span the Danube. Before its construction, you had to either catch a boat, or walk across the frozen lake during Hungary’s harsh winters! It wasn’t easy, to say the least! It took 20 years to build this technical masterpiece, with a 380-metre-long deck and two massive stone towers. Yet its early success didn’t last long as it was blown up by German forces during the Second World War. Today’s bridge doesn’t quite resemble the elegance from 150 years ago – but it’s still worth admiring. Take a look at the majestic stone lions at either end of the bridge. They tell a bizarre story: legend has it that the sculptor forgot to give the lions tongues, and was so humiliated, that he threw himself into the Danube. Whether it’s true or not, the mystery lives on…