The Old Brick Bridge across the Venta river
Kuldīga's brick bridge over the Venta river is one of the symbols of Kuldīga. The bridge is located about 200 m below the Venta Rapid Since 1998, it has been an architectural monument of national importance. The bridge is the third longest brick bridge in Europe and the second oldest brick arch bridge in Latvia. It was built between 1873 and 1874 and cost 120,000 rubles.
The brick bridge over the Venta has been in service since 1874 and was designed by Oto Dīce. It is built according to 19th century road standards. The 164 m long seven-span brick masonry arch bridge on boulder supports was not only the largest and most luxurious in Latvia, but also one of the most modern in Europe. The bridge was illuminated by lanterns in 6 decorative cast-iron lampposts with bases cast in the shape of fish. At that time, the achievements in bridge construction were clearly evidenced by the width of the bridge, which was sufficient for two carriages driving towards each other to move along it at the same time.
During the First World War in 1915, two spans of the bridge on the right bank were destroyed. In 1926, they were restored in reinforced concrete.
In 1958, the stone pavement of the bridge was covered with asphalt.
Already at the end of the 90s of the 20th century, the Kuldīga arch bridge over the Venta required extensive restoration. In August 2007, upon the order of the Kuldīga City Council, restoration works were started. According to the agreed project, the reconstruction of the building structures and engineering communications strengthening the bearing capacity of the bridge was carried out, as well as the external decoration of the bridge was partially restored. On August 28, 2008, after more than a year of restoration, the bridge was officially opened.
The Old Brick Bridge across the Venta river
Kuldīga's brick bridge over the Venta river is one of the symbols of Kuldīga. The bridge is located about 200 m below the Venta Rapid Since 1998, it has been an architectural monument of national importance. The bridge is the third longest brick bridge in Europe and the second oldest brick arch bridge in Latvia. It was built between 1873 and 1874 and cost 120,000 rubles.
The brick bridge over the Venta has been in service since 1874 and was designed by Oto Dīce. It is built according to 19th century road standards. The 164 m long seven-span brick masonry arch bridge on boulder supports was not only the largest and most luxurious in Latvia, but also one of the most modern in Europe. The bridge was illuminated by lanterns in 6 decorative cast-iron lampposts with bases cast in the shape of fish. At that time, the achievements in bridge construction were clearly evidenced by the width of the bridge, which was sufficient for two carriages driving towards each other to move along it at the same time.
During the First World War in 1915, two spans of the bridge on the right bank were destroyed. In 1926, they were restored in reinforced concrete.
In 1958, the stone pavement of the bridge was covered with asphalt.
Already at the end of the 90s of the 20th century, the Kuldīga arch bridge over the Venta required extensive restoration. In August 2007, upon the order of the Kuldīga City Council, restoration works were started. According to the agreed project, the reconstruction of the building structures and engineering communications strengthening the bearing capacity of the bridge was carried out, as well as the external decoration of the bridge was partially restored. On August 28, 2008, after more than a year of restoration, the bridge was officially opened.