New Bridge
The New Bridge, formerly the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) Bridge, is the world’s seventh largest suspension bridge and was declared the construction of the 20th century in Slovakia. The globe at the south side provides all the support for the bridge, so it does not require a pylon in the Danube. Here’s a ground level shot.
Built between 1967 and 1972 the upper deck was inaccessible in the Communist era as, at 95 metres above ground, it gave great views of capitalist Austria. These days you can visit either the observation deck, the ‘UFO Taste’ restaurant or ‘UFO Groove’, a “stylish nightclub” (apparently).
Thanks: Andrej Kvasnica, Jan Koubek
My goodness, you can virtually feel the tension from here!
I’ve built better
“is the world’s seventh largest suspension bridge and was declared the construction of the 20th century in Slovakia.”
Perhaps that’s what the communists told them. I’m afraid it’s not actually a suspension bridge at all - it’s a cable-stayed bridge. It’s not even the seventh longest of those either as its span it actually quite modest.
I’d still like to visit the observation deck, though!
I went to Bratislava expecting it to be cheap’n'cheerful, not expecting sophistication. But it turns out that the “stylish nightclub” at the top of the tower really is very stylish (to my British eyes). There’s only so much space, of course, so when they say it’s a nightclub, what they really mean is that they clear some of the tables away and turn up the volume, and I wasn’t there late enough to see that happen. But the decor is fantastic, the view is great, and the drinks menu is a treat too.
The gents’ toilets are a treat. Have you ever had a wee while viewing a panoramic view of a whole city?