Kapellbrücke

Kapellbrücke, Lucerna, 2006

Bridges have always been synonymous with Lucerne, bisected as the city is by the Reuss River. The most famous is the Kapellbrücke, dating from the early 14th century. The continued existence of this ancient wooden bridge is remarkable in itself; in fact, a 1993 fire nearly destroyed it. (Charred portions of the bridge stand in memorial of the disaster.) Tucked up under the bridge's rafters are a series of ancient paintings, many with religious themes. Their artworks are nearly 400 years old, half recounting the history of the patron saints and half the founding of Switzerland. Roughly in the middle of the river, the bridge meets the octagonal water tower. This served as a lighthouse once equally as treasury and prison.