Kapellbrücke

Hotels near Kapellbrücke, Weggis, Switzerland .

As the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, the Kapellbrucke, or Chapel Bridge, is arguably
the most recognizable and most photographed historic site in Lucerne, Switzerland. This
204 meter (670 ft) covered bridge was built in 1333 as a bastion to the city in the recently
formed Swiss Confederacy which had just freed itself from Hapsburg rule.

The bridge crosses over the Reuss River, the fourth largest river in Switzerland which
runs through Lake Lucerne, and it lies only 50 meters off the banks of that lake. The
Kapellbrucke continues to be used as a main footpath between the two sides of the river
and is open unrestricted to pedestrians both day and night. Contrary to its name, there is
no chapel on the bridge. It was in fact named for the nearby St. Peter's Chapel.

In the middle of the Kapellbrucke is the Wasserturm, or Water Tower. This 43 meter
(140 ft) tall structure was used for a variety of functions over its 700 years including a
treasury, archive, watchtower, torture chamber and prison. Due to its current use by a
local association, it is not open to the public.

Until a massive fire caused by a discarded cigarette in 1993, the Kapellbrucke was home
to 110 paintings created in the 17th century to depict the history of the Swiss city. While
85 of the paintings and much of the bridge were destroyed in the incident, they have been
replaced with replicas and are even lit up in the evenings along with the rest of the bridge
for passers-by. During carnival season, the bridge's paintings are replaced with modern
art that follows a carnival theme.

Those searching for comfortable accommodations near the bridge will not have trouble,
though the hotels on the river tend to be in the higher price range. There are a multitude
of hostels and one and two star hotels for the budget traveler a little farther off of the river
and Lake Lucerne.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapellbrücke

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Nearby Attractions and Landmarks:

Bahnhof Zug
Berne regional airport
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
Kapellbrücke
Lucerne railway station
Messe Luzern
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
Zürich Airport
Zürich Airport
Zürich Airport