(1999) MiNo. 218 - 219 ** - Czech Republic - Beauties of our homeland - bridges

Note 8 Kč - Chain Bridge near Stádlec - the only preserved chain bridge in the Czech Republic

The Chain Bridge at Stádlec is unique among the technical monuments of the Czech Republic. This bridge, originally built in 1848 over the Vltava River near Podolsk, is not only an exceptional example of 19th century engineering skill, but also an example of historical preservation of technical architecture.

From Podolsk to Stádlec: the story of the move

The bridge was designed by renowned civil engineer Gassner and its construction was completed in 1848. It was originally used to span the Vltava River, near today's Orlické Lake. When the construction of the Orlice Dam began in the middle of the 20th century, the bridge was threatened with flooding. Fortunately, it was decided to dismantle it and move it to a new location.

In 1960-1975 it was carefully dismantled and rebuilt over the Lužnice River near Stádlec in South Bohemia. This move gave the bridge not only a new technical anchorage, but also a new context - it became part of the regular road network and at the same time a monument of the first category.

Constructive design and materials

The chain bridge at Stádlec is built according to the principle of a suspension bridge - the roadway is suspended on iron link chains that are stretched between two stone pylons. The total length of the bridge is approximately 90 metres, with a main span of 60 metres.

The structure combines cast iron, forged steel and sandstone. The chains consist of individual segments connected by steel pins. Thanks to this construction, the bridge was able to support both pedestrian traffic and light road traffic. At the same time, it combines the aesthetic value of Empire architecture with practical functionality.

Cultural and technical significance

The Chain Bridge at Stádlec is now a national cultural monument and the only surviving chain bridge of its kind in the Czech Republic. Its importance lies not only in its technical design, but also in the story of its rescue and restoration. The bridge is a symbol of a time when technology was associated with aesthetics and durability.

Every year it attracts the attention of historians and engineers, as well as tourists and architecture lovers. Thanks to its uniqueness, it is a frequent destination for school excursions, professional conferences and photographic projects focusing on technical monuments.

Bridge as a reminder of the past

At a time when many historic structures are being lost to modernisation, the Chain Bridge at Stádlec is a rare example of successful conservation and the transfer of a historic building to a new setting. It is a reminder that technical heritage has not only aesthetic, but also cultural and educational value.

Note 11 Kč - Wooden Bridge in Černvír from 1718: A Technical Monument of the Czech Countryside

The wooden bridge in the village of Černvír in the Highlands is one of the oldest preserved wooden bridge structures in the Czech Republic. It was built in 1718 over the Svratka River and still serves as an exceptional example of folk carpentry and technical skill of the early 18th century.

Bridge construction and materials

The bridge is made up of a pair of arched oak timber girders that connect the river banks for a length of approximately 32 metres. The width of the bridge is less than 3 metres. The superstructure is constructed in the traditional way using wooden pin joints without the use of metal studs, which corresponds to the techniques common at the time of its construction.

The bridge is covered by a saddle canopy, which provides protection for the wood from direct weathering. The roofing has been renewed over time, but the structural foundation remains original.

History and significance

The bridge in Czernvír was probably built by local carpenters under the direction of an experienced master. It was built in connection with the economic development of the area, when it was necessary to connect the two parts of the village and to provide access to the fields and forests on the other side of the river. The bridge was used not only for pedestrians and carriages, but later also for light motor transport.

In 1958, the bridge was listed as a cultural monument and underwent several sensitive reconstructions that respected the original structural design. Today, the bridge is still functional and open to the public, although traffic on it is restricted.

Significance for technical history

The bridge in Černvír is exceptional not only because of its preservation, but also because it documents the development of wooden bridge construction in the Czech lands. Unlike most wooden bridges, which have been replaced by iron or concrete structures over time, this bridge has retained its original character.

This is a unique example of a bridge of the covered wooden structure type - a form that was more common in Alpine regions but is very rare in the Czech environment. This type of construction allows for a longer life of the wooden elements and also provides greater protection from weather conditions.

Protection and current status

Today the bridge is in the care of the conservationists and the municipality. It is regularly inspected and, if necessary, subjected to professional restoration interventions. The preservation of original techniques and materials is a priority in the maintenance. The bridge is also used as an educational element in teaching about traditional architecture and regional history.