Top 10 Longest Wooden Structures in History

Top 10 Longest Wooden Structures in History

1. Messina Cathedral

This cathedral, located in Sicily, Italy, is one of the longest wooden structures in history, with a length of over 120 meters (394 feet). Built between 1384 and 1430, it features an impressive nave that spans half the width of the city's main square. The structure was constructed using oak, beech, and chestnut woods, weighing around 20 tons for its central pillars.

2. Chongqing Yangtze River Bridge

Stretching over 2,335 meters (7,648 feet) in length, this cable-stayed bridge in China is not only the longest wooden structure but also holds several Guinness World Records. Completed in 2015, it uses laminated wood and reinforced steel for its framework. The bridge features a striking design with five main towers, each topped with a distinctive shape.

3. Itaipu Dam

Spanning an incredible 7,919 meters (26,000 feet) in length, this hydroelectric dam on the border of Brazil and Paraguay is one of the longest wooden structures ever constructed. Constructed between 1970 and 1984, it uses a combination of steel and concrete for its framework, with over 600,000 cubic meters of concrete used in its construction.

4. Pont du Gard Aqueduct

Built by the Romans around 16 BC, this ancient aqueduct stretches approximately 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) in length. Constructed using stone, brick, and wooden components, it remains one of the most impressive examples of Roman engineering. The structure took over two centuries to complete, with workers laboring for nearly three decades.

5. Senghenydd Colliery

Located in Wales, UK, this abandoned coal mine stretches a staggering 8 kilometers (5 miles) in length, making it one of the longest wooden structures ever constructed. Built between 1896 and 1960, it was initially intended as an underground railway system to transport coal.

6. Old Royal Navy Dockyard

Situated in Portsmouth, UK, this historic dockyard spans a total distance of around 7 miles (11.3 kilometers), featuring numerous warehouses, workshops, and shipyards. Built between the 16th and 19th centuries, it showcases an impressive array of wooden structures that played a crucial role in Britain's maritime history.

7. The oldest surviving wooden bridge

Located in the town of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, this historic stone-arched wooden bridge spans approximately 25 meters (82 feet) over the Neretva River. Constructed by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it holds a special place in the hearts of locals who see it as an important symbol of national identity.

8. The Roman Aqueducts

While not single structures per se, these numerous Roman aqueducts stretch for hundreds of kilometers across Italy and other parts of Europe. Examples include the Aqua Claudia and Aqua Felix aqueducts, which span up to 60 km (37 miles) in length and were built using a combination of stone, brick, and wood.

9. The ancient City Walls

Various cities around the world feature extensive wooden structures as part of their ancient city walls. For instance, Rome's Aurelian Walls stretch over 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), while Beijing's Ming-era city wall measures approximately 19 km (11.8 miles) in length.

10. The historic wooden docks at Plymouth Hoe

Located in the UK, this waterfront area features a mix of old and new structures, including several wooden piers that have been extended over time. Stretching for around 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), they showcase an impressive array of historical wooden components used in their construction.