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?

Explore as pontes de Londres de dia ou de noite

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.”

A Illuminated Rivers descreve o projeto como uma colaboração única do talento londrino: "A realização do projeto envolveu uma colaboração única do talento criativo londrino, dos organismos oficiais e das comunidades locais e deixará um legado duradouro para a capital sob a forma de uma obra de arte pública dinâmica, recentrando e celebrando as pontes do Tamisa como marcos sociais, históricos e arquitectónicos."

Vamos descobrir um pouco mais sobre as pontes que fazem parte deste projeto e como estas magníficas estruturas se tornaram os famosos ícones que ligam o norte e o sul de Londres, tal como os vemos hoje, além de serem alguns dos nossos locais favoritos ao longo do rio.

Ponte de Westminster

Construção: Entre 1739 e 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.

Um passeio ao longo da Ponte de Westminster oferece-lhe vistas magníficas do Big Ben e das Casas do Parlamento, com o London Eye e o Sea Life London Aquarium a leste e a jusante, em direção ao centro da cidade, um verdadeiro paraíso para os amantes da fotografia. Se tiver sorte, pode até cruzar-se com um ou dois artistas de rua. No outono de 2020, também se iniciarão os trabalhos da instalação Illuminated River, que incluirá esta impressionante ponte.

Ponte de Waterloo

Construção: Primeiro construído em 1817, reconstruído em 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.

Quase chamada Strand Bridge antes de "Waterloo" ter sido aprovada por uma lei do Parlamento, a velha ponte foi remodelada e reconstruída em 1945, durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial. Notavelmente apelidada de "The Ladies Bridge" após a sua reconstrução em 1945, devido ao grande número de trabalhadoras que ajudaram na construção enquanto os homens estavam na guerra. Iniciada em 1939, a construção da nova ponte foi lenta e constante, devido à falta de força humana e às facilidades oferecidas aos construtores.

Desde a sua remodelação, a ponte tem aparecido na televisão e no cinema, em séries como Sherlock e Alfie, e tornou-se um íman para quem quer ir para as prestigiadas zonas de Covent Garden, a norte, e do Southbank Centre, a sul. Para aqueles que planeiam visitar a cidade em 2020, esperam ver o brilho distante do projeto Illuminated River à medida que este se apodera da ponte de Waterloo, que ficará concluída nos meses de outono.

Ponte de Blackfriars

Construção: Primeiro construído em 1769, reconstruído em 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.

A ponte ferroviária vai fazer parte do projeto Illuminated Bridges (Pontes Iluminadas ), por isso mantenha os olhos bem abertos quando fizer um cruzeiro no rio para ver o progresso da sua transformação. As iluminações para a ponte serão coloridas e criativas: "A obra de arte Illuminated River para a Ponte Blackfriars utilizará um esquema de cores que complementa a Ponte Ferroviária Blackfriars adjacente e os suportes de pilares vermelhos que permanecem da Ponte Ferroviária Blackfriars original".

Ponte do Milénio

Construção: 2000

Baptizada com o nome do ano em que foi construída, no virar do milénio, a Millennium Bridge é a ponte mais nova deste artigo, mas uma das mais impressionantes. Construída em 2000, após um concurso realizado pelo Conselho de Southwark para encomendar uma nova ponte, a proposta ultrapassou todos os limites do design técnico e é atualmente um verdadeiro marco na cidade.
Inaugurado pela Rainha Isabel II no dia 10 de^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!”

Dirija-se à Millennium Bridge este verão e veja a nova ponte iluminada como parte do projeto em curso comissariado pela Illuminated River. A Millennium Bridge é uma das 4 pontes a ser equipada com a sua nova iluminação e fica ainda melhor no escuro da noite.

Ponte de Southwark

Construção: Primeiro construído em 1819, reconstruído em 1921

Originalmente conhecida como Queen Street Bridge, a Southwark Bridge foi construída em 1819 para suportar o fluxo de tráfego que necessitava de chegar ao sul da cidade. A ponte original foi projectada por John Rennie e foi construída em ferro fundido e suportada por três grandes pilares fixados no rio. A primeira ponte foi demolida durante a Primeira Guerra Mundial devido ao facto de a estrada ser estreita e necessitar de ser alargada devido à crescente utilização de veículos motorizados.

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.

"Inspirando-se nas paletas de cores dos mestres impressionistas, a iluminação da ponte continuará, com um pouco mais de saturação, as cores utilizadas na ponte de Cannon Street". Relatórios sobre o Rio Iluminado.

Ponte ferroviária de Cannon Street

Construção: Entre 1863 e 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’.

Desde a sua remodelação em 1982, muitas das suas características decorativas anteriores foram removidas e substituídas por pilares de ferro fundido, mas duas torres de tijolo da ponte original ainda podem ser vistas na zona ribeirinha. Se está a planear fazer um cruzeiro fluvial pela cidade, não deixe de ver esta vasta ponte e as suas novas iluminações adicionadas à estrutura recentemente no verão de 2019, um verdadeiro marco nos livros de história.

A Illuminated River descreve os seus novos acessórios como uma celebração do carácter da ponte: "Cannon Street Bridge, apesar de ser uma das pontes mais antigas do Tamisa, nunca foi iluminada antes. A obra de arte de Villareal irá celebrar o carácter utilitário da ponte, muitas vezes negligenciado, e as monumentais colunas dóricas, com cores cinéticas subtis que reflectem o movimento dos comboios que passam por cima".

Ponte de Londres

Construído: 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.

A Ponte de Londres tem sido palco de muitas notícias e escândalos ao longo dos anos, com cabeças de traidores da coroa a serem espetadas ao longo das suas muralhas durante o período Tudor, além de ter sido o tema de várias rimas infantis ao longo dos anos. Em 1722, a ponte anterior ficou demasiado cheia, pelo que foi implementada a regra de "manter a esquerda", que mais tarde se tornou o padrão comum para as estradas em todo o Reino Unido. Se quiser ver a ponte assumir um lado menos formal, desça o rio durante o Sheep Drive anual. A cidade de Londres é a anfitriã de cada outono, o tráfego pára e centenas de ovelhas são conduzidas por Freemen através da ponte, uma prática que remonta a 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 da Torre

Construção: Entre 1886 e 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.

Muitas pessoas que visitam a ponte podem não saber que o tráfego aquático tem prioridade sobre o tráfego rodoviário, pelo que um passeio sobre o rio pode demorar um pouco mais do que o habitual. Antigamente, os peões utilizavam os passadiços elevados por cima dos braços de elevação para evitar atrasos até ao seu encerramento em 1910 devido à falta de utilização, mas os visitantes da ponte podem hoje experimentar estes passadiços elevados ao ar livre de uma forma totalmente diferente.

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.

Veja as pontes de Londres com os City Cruises

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 de publicação original: 31 de março de 2020