Top 20 Most Iconic Bridges of Modern Architecture

Spanning 1.7 miles across San Francisco Bay in California, USA, the iconic bridge is a symbol of the state's engineering prowess. Completed in 1937 after four years of construction, it was originally painted orange but later changed to its signature yellow color due to concerns about cancer. At over 4,200 feet long and 746 feet high at its tallest point, the Golden Gate Bridge required over 3,900 workers for its construction. Its iconic orange color has become synonymous with San Francisco, and the bridge receives over 100 million visitors each year.

Located in Tianjin, China, this television tower is not only a striking feat of engineering but also an impressive addition to the city's skyline. Completed in 2008, it was constructed using a unique cable-stayed design and stands at an impressive 528 meters tall. The tower features 15 elevators, including one that rises over 1 km in just 18 seconds. Its distinctive spiral shape was designed by architect Arup, who aimed to create a more humane and sustainable urban environment.

Inaugurated in 1932, this steel arch bridge connects the Sydney central business district to the northern suburbs of the city. Stretching over 504 meters long, it is supported by two piers that reach into Sydney Harbour. The bridge required a workforce of over 4,000 laborers for its construction and has since become an iconic symbol of Australia's engineering prowess. Its distinctive art deco design has been named as one of the most influential buildings in the 20th century.

Spanning the Akashi Strait in Japan, this suspension bridge is not only a testament to the country's engineering capabilities but also an essential transportation artery for the surrounding region. Completed in 1998 after seven years of construction, it stands at an impressive 3,911 meters long and features eight traffic lanes with average speeds reaching up to 100 km/h. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge also holds the record for the longest suspension bridge span in the world.

Located in Prague, Czech Republic, this stunning Gothic-style stone bridge spans the Vltava River and is a symbol of the city's rich history. Completed in 1402 after an initial construction began in 1357, it features over 30 statues of saints and kings adorning its four ancient arches. The bridge requires annual maintenance to prevent erosion, with over 10 million visitors each year.

Located in the south of France, this cable-stayed highway is one of the most impressive structures of its kind in the world. Completed in 2004 after six years of construction, it stretches over 2,000 meters long and stands at an incredible 340 meters high above the surrounding landscape. The viaduct features two lanes with a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h.

Spanning the East River in New York City, USA, this iconic steel suspension bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. Completed in 1883 after five years of construction, it was originally painted with over 300 gallons of paint every year due to environmental concerns. The Brooklyn Bridge features a distinctive Gothic-inspired design and has since become an essential artery for the city's transportation system.

Located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay in South America, this massive hydroelectric dam is one of the largest in the world. Completed in 1984 after 14 years of construction, it spans over 7 kilometers long and stands at an impressive 196 meters high above the surrounding landscape. The Itaipu Dam generates enough electricity for over 10 million households.

Located in southern France, this ancient Roman aqueduct is a testament to the engineering capabilities of the ancient civilizations that built it. Completed in the 1st century AD after several construction phases, it stands at an impressive 48 meters high and spans over 50 meters long. The Pont du Gard features eight arches with a total length of 728 meters.

This iconic bridge has been rebuilt several times throughout its history, with the current structure dating back to 1973 after three previous reconstructions in 1831 and 1967. Spanning the River Thames in central London, it stands at an impressive height of 61 meters above the waterline and features a distinctive curved shape. The bridge connects Southwark to the City of London.

Located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China, this stunning steel bridge is supported by eight free-standing columns that give it an otherworldly appearance. Completed in 2011 after five years of construction, it spans over 1,400 meters long and features glass slats with a viewing platform that stretches over 800 meters.

Spanning the River Severn in southwest England, this impressive steel arch bridge connects Gloucestershire to Wales. Completed in 1966 after two years of construction, it stands at an impressive height of 135 meters above the waterline and features four lanes with a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.

Located in Venice, Italy, this iconic stone bridge spans the Grand Canal and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Completed in 1591 after 14 years of construction, it features five arches that provide stunning views of St. Mark's Square. The Rialto Bridge has undergone several restorations throughout its history.

Located near Hong Kong, this massive suspension bridge connects the Lantau Island to the Tsing Yi Island. Completed in 1997 after seven years of construction, it spans over 4,400 meters long and features two lanes with a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h. The Tsing Ma Bridge requires regular maintenance due to its location in one of the most densely populated regions in the world.

Spanning the Alfeios River in Greece, this impressive steel arch bridge connects the Peloponnese to the mainland. Completed in 2004 after four years of construction, it stands at an impressive height of 240 meters above the waterline and features two lanes with a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h.

Located in Xi'an, China, this medieval stone bridge spans the Wei River and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Completed in 1373 after an initial construction began in 1342, it features five arches that have withstood centuries of erosion and wear.

Spanning New York Harbor in the United States, this impressive suspension bridge connects Staten Island to Brooklyn. Completed in 1964 after three years of construction, it stands at an incredible height of over 1 km above the waterline and features five lanes with a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h.

Located near Istanbul, Turkey, this massive cable-stayed bridge spans over 1,500 meters long and connects the European side to the Asian side. Completed in 2013 after eight years of construction, it has reduced journey times between the two sides from an hour to just 6 minutes.

Located in Guizhou Province, China, this massive steel arch bridge spans over 1,420 meters long and connects three provinces in south-central China. Completed in 2010 after six years of construction, it features four lanes with a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h.

Spanning the Lingding Strait between China and Macau, this massive bridge is part of the Pearl River Delta Expressway system. Completed in 2018 after seven years of construction, it stretches over 55 kilometers long and features two lanes with a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h.