THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE

Our world is a beautiful place filled with intriguing and bizzare things. One of such bizzare things today, is the ‘Devil’s bridge’. While there are many bridges today called ‘Devil’s bridge’ all around Europe, one stands out from the rest_ the Rakotzbrücke in Rhododendron Park, Kromlau, Germany. The bridge forms a perfect circle with its reflection in the water beneath. It gives such a chimeric effect that visitors and locals claim that the bridge was built by the devil himself!

Like every other Devil’s bridge, this bridge got it’s name because of it’s incredible and marvelous architecture. Let’s take a closer look at the Rakotzbrücke.

1. IT WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1860

The Rakotzbrücke was commissioned in the year 1860 by a German knight named Friedrich Hermann Rotschke who was a nature lover known for his Gothic architectures. He was the land owner of the entire area and decided to connect the two banks of the river with a bridge. He then drew a design for “the bridge without barriers”. It took 10 years to complete the construction of the bridge. It was probably during this time that the rumors were brewing. The bridge today is 162 years and yet, it still continues to marvel it’s visitors. Its beauty is truly eternal.

2. THE NAME RAKOTZBRÜCKE.

The bridge’s official name is Rakotzbrücke. ‘Brücke’ in German translates to ‘bridge’ but meaning of ‘Rakotz’ is still not known. The reason for the bridge’s eccentric name remains a mystery.

3. THE LEGEND BEHIND THE BRIDGE

During the time this bridge was built, people believed that anything that defies the laws of nature must be built by the devil himself. The legend says that the architect, Friedrich Hermann Rotschke made a deal with the devil and it was agreed that the devil would take the soul of the first person who crossed the bridge. The remaining part of the story has many versions. One version says that the architect out smarted the devil by sending a dog to cross the bridge. Another version says that he crossed the bridge himself. The bridge is also surrounded by other theories as some believed sailing beneath it will grant you powers, or looking at it sideways will allow you to see the Devil’s face. One thing is for sure, if this bridge and so many other ‘Devil’s bridge’ was actually built by the devil, the devil must surely be a talented architect.

4. YOU CAN’T WALK ON THE BRIDGE

Walking on this medieval architectural master piece would be a dream come true for some. But sorry to say,

that dream can only remain a dream as walking on the bridge is prohibited so as to lre

this architectural wonder for future generations. Much recently, the bridge was renovated.

5. NATURE + ARCHITECTURE

The Gothic styled Devil’s bridge consists mainly of Basalt. Obviously, it was built in such a way that it blends with greenery scenery of the Kromlau park. The Kromlau park is filled with beautiful Rhododendrons and 153 year old tulip trees.

6. THERE ARE 49 OTHER DEVIL’S BRIDGES

Around the world, there are 49 other Devil’s bridges and most of them are found in Europe. The same satanic story also goes with the other bridges with some little variations.

Visiting any of the Devil’s bridge around the world will leave you struck with awe at the ingenuity of the architects. Hopefully, one day, full credits will be given to them and not the Devil. I think the Devil will let us know when he builds his.