One of the most iconic bridges in Hungary to be renovated by the end of 2021

Hungary is rich in both natural and man-made wonders, with many having decades or centuries, if not thousands of years of history behind them. But, unfortunately, nothing can stop the ravages of time, a fact that has now caught up with the gem of Hortobágy.

Hortobágy is probably one of the more well-known regions of Hungary for foreigners. It has a rich culture, history, and sights that have been preserved for centuries. However, one of the most iconic man-made structures of the area is in bad shape.

History

The iconic Nine-arched Bridge was finished in 1832 after Debrecen allowed the previous wooden bridge structure to be demolished and made anew from stone, writes Travelo. The construction of the bridge you now know started in 1825 using the design of Ferenc Povolny.

According to Sokszínűvidék, with its 167.3-metre length, the Nine-arched Bridge is the longest stone bridge not only in Hungary but also in Europe.

The legend

According to legends, the bridge has nine arches because when Sándor Rózsa, the most famous Hungarian betyár, was drinking at a bar, the lawmen came to take him away. In order to save Sándor, his nine mistresses created a bridge from their bodies to help the betyár escape through the Hortobágy river, said mayor Ádám Jakab.

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Renovation

Ádám Jakab, the mayor of Hortobágy, also told Dehír that the current renovations might be completed by the end of this year.

“The goal is the aesthetic renovation of the bridge. We will renovate both parapets of the bridge, as well as the plaster on both exterior sides. Where needed, the cracks will also be filled. We hope that the weather will be gracious, and we can finish the renovation this year.”

The current renovation is carried out by the Hungarian Public Roads with the support of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology.

During the renovation, only half of the road will be usable, with mobile traffic lights regulating vehicles, the mayor said.

Ádám Jakab, the mayor of Hortobágy, also told Haon that they have plans for a much larger project concerning the iconic bridge and that they are looking forward to a more complex renovation.

The mayor asked for people’s patience and apologised for any inconvenience that might come from the current traffic limitation.

Read alsoWatch the Hortobágy come to life – Photos

Source: Sokszínűvidék.24.hu, travelo.hu, haon.hu, dehir.hu