Chain Bridge, Budapest (must see)

The Chain Bridge was the first stone bridge that connected the regions of Buda and Pest. It is the second of two permanent bridges that cross the entire length of the Danube River. It is also architecturally beautiful and the city's most recognizable symbol.

The bridge officially carries the name of the person who first proposed the project, namely Count Istvan Szechenyi. The construction started in 1839, under the control of William Tierney Clark. Financing for the project was done by Baron Gyorgy Sina, of Vienna.

Eventually, the project came under the supervision of Adam Clark of Scotland. Clark went on to marry a Hungarian girl, while he was still working on the bridge. If you look at the Buda end, you will find a square named after him. The official inauguration took place on November 20, 1949.

From an architectural standpoint, this is a chain suspension bridge. On the Pest side, it adjoins Szechenyi Square, in the vicinity of Gresham Palace. On the Buda side, it is connected to Adam Clark Square. The bridge spans 202 meters, which made it one of the largest of its kind back in the 1840s. You will also want to check out the lions that adorn the abutments. They are a reproduction of the Trafalgar Square Lions.

Why You Should Visit:
A very pleasant and enjoyable walk between Buda and Pest on the Danube.

Tip:
Abandon yourself in this marvelous body of water, lose your cares in its endless momentum...
The bridge offers stunning views in the evening and has a really nice walkway to gaze at the attractions on both sides of the river.