London is world-renowned for its beautiful and historical architecture, quintessentially British atmosphere, and its patchwork of unique boroughs. Whether you’re exploring its streets by foot, on a red open-top bus, or you’re exploring its plethora of views on an exciting Thames River Cruise, there are some real gems that shouldn’t be missed and with City Cruises we take you on a journey of discovery – we have a different view and it’s waiting to be explored!

From 17th-century masterpieces to illustrious architectural icons, the capital of the UK boasts some of the world’s most stunning and visually brilliant bridges, all waiting to be explored and uncovered. In this article, we discover some of London’s most famous water landmarks and dive into the archives to uncover the hidden secrets and untold stories of London’s best bridges. Who’s ready to step back in time?

Esplorate i ponti di Londra di giorno e di notte

There is no better way to explore these historic and visually brilliant landmarks than on the river, and July 2019 saw the first switch-on of Illuminated River, an ambitious public art commission transforming the capital’s central bridges. “Illuminated River is the first cohesive lighting vision for the Thames bridges in central London, celebrating the structures as architectural, social and historical landmarks, and creating a symbolic link across the political, financial and cultural centres of the capital.”

Illuminated Rivers descrive il progetto come una collaborazione unica tra i talenti londinesi: "La realizzazione del progetto ha coinvolto una collaborazione unica tra i talenti creativi londinesi, gli enti statutari e le comunità locali e lascerà un'eredità duratura alla capitale sotto forma di un'opera d'arte pubblica dinamica, che rifocalizza e celebra i ponti sul Tamigi come punti di riferimento sociali, storici e architettonici."

Scopriamo qualcosa di più sui ponti che fanno parte di questo progetto e come queste magnifiche strutture sono diventate le famose icone che collegano il nord e il sud di Londra come li vediamo oggi, oltre a essere alcuni dei nostri luoghi preferiti lungo il fiume.

Ponte di Westminster

Costruito: Tra il 1739 e il 1750

A view made renowned by its sister property, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge links Westminster on the west to Lambeth on the east side of the water. Known for being one of the oldest surviving bridges in the city, it is also known to locals as being one of the busiest. It was built in an attempt to relieve congestion coming from the west and the south of the city and to accommodate the growing use of goods and passenger carriages as transport in the Victorian period boomed.

Now a vehicle and pedestrian bridge, it is used by millions of visitors every year and links two of the city’s most iconic symbols to one another: Big Ben and the London Eye. Remodelled in 1862, the current bridge that crosses the river was designed by Thomas Page and boasts a royal seal of approval. As well as its magnificent green colour, which mimics that of the seats in the House of Commons, it also hosts the coats of arms of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on one of its many large stone pillars. Since its opening, the bridge has taken on a number of façades, previously used in the 18^th century as a spot for vagabonds and muggers, and in the 17^th century when it became one of the most painted sights in London. The bridge also now holds a Grade II Listed rating, protecting its structure and position within the city.

Una passeggiata lungo il Westminster Bridge vi offrirà una magnifica vista del Big Ben e delle Houses of Parliament, con il London Eye e il Sea Life London Aquarium a est e a valle verso il centro della città: un vero paradiso per gli amanti della fotografia, non troverete una vista migliore della città che al centro di questo ponte. Se siete fortunati, potreste anche imbattervi in uno o due artisti di strada. Nell'autunno 2020 inizieranno anche i lavori per l'installazione Illuminated River, che includerà questo imponente ponte.

Ponte di Waterloo

Costruito: Costruito per la prima volta nel 1817, ricostruito nel 1945.

Not as aesthetically pleasing as Westminster Bridge (we’re not biased), but with a story just as impressive. Waterloo Bridge was first built in 1817, with its name emulating the victory at the Battle of Waterloo two years prior in 1815. It was also known for being the longest bridge in London. Due to its courageous name, the local station and surrounding borough were also named Waterloo and remainthe  foundation blocks of the city to this day. At the turn of the century, the use of heavy motor vehicles grew, and the safety of the bridge became uncertain. What ensued was a 10-year political battle took place to remodel the bridge to suit carriages and motor vehicles.

Quasi chiamato Strand Bridge prima che il nome "Waterloo" fosse approvato da un atto del Parlamento, il vecchio ponte fu rimodellato e ricostruito nel 1945, durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale. Soprannominato "The Ladies Bridge" (il ponte delle donne) dopo la sua ricostruzione nel 1945, per il gran numero di lavoratrici che aiutarono la costruzione mentre gli uomini erano in guerra. A partire dal 1939, la costruzione del nuovo ponte fu lenta e costante, a causa della mancanza di forza lavoro e delle strutture offerte ai costruttori.

Da quando è stato ristrutturato, il ponte è apparso in TV e al cinema in spettacoli come Sherlock e Alfie ed è diventato una calamita per chi vuole dirigersi verso le prestigiose aree di Covent Garden a nord e del Southbank Centre a sud. Per chi ha in programma una visita nel 2020, ci si aspetta di vedere il lontano bagliore del progetto Illuminated River, che prenderà piede sul Waterloo Bridge per essere completato nei mesi autunnali.

Ponte Blackfriars

Costruito: Costruito per la prima volta nel 1769, ricostruito nel 1869

Situated between its sister bridges, Blackfriars Railway Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge is a traffic and pedestrian Grade II Listed bridge in the heart of London. Built in 1769, its structure is among the oldest in the city and took some 9 years to build. Named after a Dominican priory which once stood nearby, its name was changed several times before the calling we hear today.

Most well-known for its elaborate stone carvings that line the columns it stands upon, depicting birds and marine life, as well as the statue of Queen Victoria at the north side of the bridge, which has stood in the same spot since she opened the new bridge back in 1869.

It is often regarded as one of the prettiest bridges in London due to its red and cream colouring, carefully carved arches, and large and imposing columns. It lies alongside the adjacent railway bridge and the remnants of the old Blackfriars Bridge, which can be spotted by the columns that still lie in the river to this day. A wander along (or a cruise under) this impressive bridge will give you a sense of scale and a glimpse at the true beauty of this architectural masterpiece.

Il ponte ferroviario farà parte dell'imminente progetto Illuminated Bridges, quindi tenete gli occhi aperti quando sarete in crociera sul fiume per vedere i progressi della sua trasformazione. Le illuminazioni per il ponte saranno colorate e creative: "L'opera d'arte Illuminated River per il Blackfriars Bridge utilizzerà uno schema di colori che integra strettamente l'adiacente Blackfriars Railway Bridge e i sostegni rossi dei pilastri che rimangono dal Blackfriars Railway Bridge originale".

Ponte del Millennio

Costruito: 2000

Chiamato così in onore dell'anno in cui è stato costruito, a cavallo del nuovo millennio, il Millennium Bridge è il ponte più giovane di questo articolo, ma anche uno dei più suggestivi. Costruito nel 2000 a seguito di un concorso indetto dal Consiglio di Southwark per commissionare un nuovo ponte, la proposta ha superato tutti i limiti del design tecnico e oggi è un vero e proprio punto di riferimento della città.
Inaugurato dalla Regina Elisabetta II il 10^th June 2000, the bridge had to be closed two days later, finally reopening again on 27th February 2002, a whole two years later. Its location was chosen due to its proximity to a number of the city’s busiest locations, not to mention the beautiful view of St Paul’s Cathedral that can be seen as you walk down the walkway. The Tate Modern lies on the south side of the river as well as the historic Globe Theatre, which stands proudly on the water’s edge.

Something that many people don’t know is that the bridge plays host to over 400 works of art! These tiny works of art were designed and implemented by The Chewing Gum Man, also known as Ben Wilson. Tiny scenes, shapes, and figures are painted onto pieces of dropped gum, giving the floor of this bridge a somewhat patchwork feel.
We spoke to Stu who is a London walking blogger at London Wlogger who loves exploring London’s architectural treasures, he told us a little more about Millennium Bridge: “For me London is the greatest city in the world, it encapsulates the old and new perfectly, and has something picturesque wherever you look – whether that’s its landmarks, parks or bridges, you’re never too far from something amazing to explore! One of my favourite bridges in London is its most recent one,the  Millennium Bridge! Opened in June 2000, did you know it was the first bridge to be built over the Thames for over 100 years?

“One unique aspect of the Millennium Bridge is that it has had two openings, first in 2000 and then again in 2002. On its opening day, the bridge had 80,000 people walk across it and 2,000 on it at any one time. However, on the southern and central part of the bridge, people felt it swaying, and as a result, the bridge was closed and given the nickname the ‘Wobbly Bridge’. The bridge lasted only two days and it wasn’t until February 2002 that it reopened to the public!”

Quest'estate recatevi al Millennium Bridge e ammirate il nuovo ponte illuminato nell'ambito del progetto in corso curato da Illuminated River. Il Millennium Bridge è uno dei 4 ponti che sono stati dotati di una nuova illuminazione e appare ancora più bello nel buio della notte.

Ponte di Southwark

Costruito: Costruito per la prima volta nel 1819, ricostruito nel 1921

Originariamente conosciuto come Queen Street Bridge, il Southwark Bridge fu costruito per la prima volta nel 1819 per sostenere il flusso di traffico che doveva raggiungere il sud della città. Il ponte originale, progettato da John Rennie, era costruito in ghisa e sostenuto da tre grandi pilastri fissati nel fiume. Il primo ponte fu demolito durante la Prima Guerra Mondiale a causa della strada stretta che doveva essere allargata a causa del crescente uso di veicoli a motore.

The bridge as we see it today was begun in 1912 but didn’t open to the public until after the war in 1921. Due to its historical significance in the city, the new bridge was given Grade II listed status in 1995. Walk along Southwark Bridge to the south and you’ll find the original site of Shakespeare’s Globe; head north and you’ll find the famous London Stone. On the south side, you’ll find a short walk to the Shard and Borough Market. Southwark Bridge is another of the bridges that has seen the dressing of its new lights this year as part of the summer 2019 part of the Illuminated project.

"Ispirandosi alle tavolozze di colori dei maestri impressionisti, l'illuminazione del ponte riprenderà, con una saturazione leggermente maggiore, i colori utilizzati sul Cannon Street Bridge". Rapporti sul fiume illuminato.

Ponte ferroviario di Cannon Street

Costruito: Tra il 1863 e il 1866

The path from Cannon Street Railway Station to the expanse of London that lies beyond it, Cannon Street Railway Bridge is owned by the National Rail and has been a hub of activity since it opened in 1866. Sitting pretty between Southwark Bridge and London Bridge, the original structure was designed by Sir John Hawkshaw and has nothing to do with weaponry, as its name may suggest. It is actually named after the 17^th-century word ‘candelwrichstrete’, which translates today to ‘street of the candlemakers’.

Dalla sua ristrutturazione nel 1982, molti dei precedenti elementi decorativi sono stati rimossi e sostituiti da pilastri in ghisa, ma due torri in mattoni del ponte originale sono ancora visibili sul lungofiume. Se avete intenzione di fare una crociera sul fiume, assicuratevi di osservare questo vasto ponte e le sue nuovissime illuminazioni aggiunte alla struttura di recente nell'estate 2019, un vero e proprio marchio nei libri di storia.

Illuminated River descrive i suoi nuovi allestimenti come una celebrazione del carattere del ponte: "Cannon Street Bridge, nonostante sia uno dei ponti più antichi del Tamigi, non è mai stato illuminato prima. L'opera d'arte di Villareal celebrerà il carattere utilitario del ponte, spesso trascurato, e le monumentali colonne doriche, con sottili colori cinetici che rispecchiano il movimento dei treni che passano sopra".

Ponte di Londra

Costruito: 1973

Not to be confused with Tower Bridge, London Bridge is one of London’s oldest bridges, with the structure standing on the site since the Roman period. There have been a number of different facades, but the current bridge was completed in 197,3 with the preceding bridge being dismantled after 600 years of service.

Nel corso degli anni, il London Bridge è stato teatro di numerose notizie e scandali: teste di traditori della corona sono state impalate lungo le sue mura durante il periodo dei Tudor e, nel corso degli anni, è stato oggetto di numerose filastrocche. Nel 1722 il ponte precedente divenne troppo affollato e fu quindi introdotta la regola del "tenere la sinistra", che in seguito divenne lo schema comune per le strade di tutto il Regno Unito. Se volete vedere il ponte assumere un aspetto meno formale, scendete lungo il fiume durante l'annuale Sheep Drive. Ogni autunno, la città di Londra ospita una manifestazione in cui il traffico si blocca e centinaia di pecore vengono condotte sul ponte da uomini liberi, una pratica che risale al 1200.

London Bridge is another of the summer installations as part of the Illuminated River project, and one that cruisers of the river can already see in all its glory. A subtle hue of pinks and oranges can be seen as you pass under its impressive concrete pillars.

Ponte della Torre

Costruito: Tra il 1886 e il 1894

Of course, we saved the best till last. One of the most iconic landmarks in London and one of the best Victorian-built bridges in the world. A real architect’s dream, Tower Bridge is visited by millions every year who are looking for a glimpse at the magnificent architecture that makes this bridge so fascinating. Built between 1886 and 1894, Tower Bridge is one of the few surviving original suspension bridges in the city and opens to passing boats more than 1000 times a year, taking 61 seconds to raise its arms fully.

Molte persone che visitano il ponte non sanno che il traffico acqueo ha la priorità su quello stradale, quindi la passeggiata sul fiume potrebbe richiedere un po' più di tempo del solito. In passato i pedoni utilizzavano le passerelle alte sopra i bracci di sollevamento per evitare ritardi, fino alla chiusura del ponte nel 1910 a causa della mancanza di utilizzo, ma oggi i visitatori del ponte possono sperimentare queste passerelle alte all'aperto in un modo completamente diverso.

Many people confuse the bridge with London Bridge, which is actually a different bridge a little further down the river, and rather less impressive. There were over 50 different designs put forward for the bridge, but the one we see today was designed by Sir Horace Jones. The bridge has seen a number of makeovers since its opening. It was originally painted a dark brown colour, in 1977 it was painted red, white, and blue to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and it now sits pretty in a grey and blue hue.

Scoprite i ponti di Londra con le crociere in città

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of these magnificent structures and the chance to experience a taste of the real London. If you want to experience the Thames in real style, join us on one of our upcoming Thames cruises and see these stunning structures from a whole new perspective. We offer more than just sightseeing trips, we offer a spacious outdoor top deck, tasteful food, and above all, spectacular views from a whole new perspective. If you jump on board a City Cruises tour, you can take a boat tour on the River Thames and see London and its bridges from a different perspective. You’ll be able to ride it from Greenwich, all the way to the Westminster area – meaning you’ll see the full route. There are so many key London sights to spot along the way, you won’t have time to blink!

Data di pubblicazione originale: 31 marzo 2020