Chapel Bridge is a medieval covered wooden bridge over the Reuss in Lucerne (Switzerland). It is considered a landmark and one of the most important tourist attractions of the city. In its middle is the water tower. Bridge, tower and picture cycle are on the list of cultural properties in Lucerne in category A (nationally significant).
General
The Chapel Bridge is the oldest[1]and with 202.90 meters (including canopies 204.70 meters) the second longest covered wooden bridge in Europe, after the wooden bridge Bad Säckingen-Stein AG (203.70 meters, including canopies 206.50 meters). It was built around 1365 as a farm and connects the old and new town (lesser city) separated by the Reuss. Originally, the bridge was longer; by filling the bank, a piece about 75 meters long was demolished around 1835. In the gable of the bridge there were (before the fire in 1993) 111 triangular paintings depicting important scenes in Swiss history.
The pictures of the Kapellbrücke, the Spreuerbrücke and the Hofbrücke are unique in this use. In no other city in Europe have covered wooden bridges been decorated with triangular pictures.
The name comes from the St. Peter’s Chapel, to which the northern end of the bridge leads. It is located between the pier and the town hall.