Kapellbrücke in Lucerne

Quelle: de.academic.ru

The "Kapellbrücke" (Chapel Bridge in German) is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland. It crosses the River Reuss in the City of Lucerne.

The bridge was constructed in 1333 and was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge there are paintings from the 17th century illustrating Lucerne's history. Much of the bridge and the majority of these paintings were destroyed in a fire in 1993. It was rebuilt but some of the blackened structure of the bridge still remains.

The "Wasserturm" (Water Tower in German) is adjoining the bridge. It is an octagonal tower made from brick and served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury. Today the tower is used as the guild hall of the artillery association. The tower and the bridge are Lucerne's trademark.