The Kapellbrücke ("Chapel Bridge" in German), a 650 foot long bridge crossing the Reuss River, near Lucerne in Switzerland, is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, and one of Switzerland's biggest attractions. The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the town of Lucerne against attack. Adjoining the bridge is the 140 feet tall Wasserturm (Water Tower), an octagonal tower made from brick, which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury. Today the tower, which is part of the city wall, is used as the Guild Hall of the Artillery Association. The tower and the bridge are Lucerne's trademark and form the most photographed monument in the country. This article is about the edifice. ... The River Reuss is one of the larger rivers in Switzerland. ... Lucerne (German: Luzern) is a city in Central Switzerland with a population of 60,274 (31 December 2003), capital of the canton of Lucerne. ... World map showing location of Europe A satellite composite image of Europe Europe is geologically and geographically a peninsula, forming the westernmost part of Eurasia. ... Events End of the Kamakura period and beginning of the Kemmu restoration in Japan. ... A weathered brick wall. ... The Iron Maiden of Nuremberg was a famous torture device Torture is the infliction of severe physical or psychological pain as an expression of cruelty, a means of intimidation, deterrent or punishment, or as a tool for the extraction of information or confessions. ... For the U.S. government securities, see Treasury security A treasury is the part of a government which manages all money and revenue. ...
The Kapellbrücke ("ChapelBridge" in German), a 650 foot long bridge crossing the Reuss River, near Lucerne in Switzerland, is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, and one of Switzerland's biggest attractions.
The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the town of Lucerne against attack.
Adjoining the bridge is the 140 feet tall Wasserturm (Water Tower), an octagonal tower made from brick, which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury.
The chapels stonework was richly carved by skilful medieval craftsmen, particularly on the west front of the building, which was divided into five panels containing depictions of the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Resurrection, Ascension and the Coronation of the Virgin.
At the turn of the 20th century the bridge and chapel survived a controversial proposal to completely reconstruct the bridge slightly downstream, as it was deemed inadequate to carry the proposed electric tram system.
The chapels long term survival was assured however in 1991 with the formation of a new body of Friends whose immediate task was to raise funds to repair the chapel roof and re-point some of the stonework.
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