Footbridge in History

Footbridges, including the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct), serve as cultural and historical symbols that integrate with their surrounding landscapes. This study highlights how these structures embody the 'genius loci'—the unique spirit of a place—through their ties to history, events, and intangible heritage. Unlike conventional views of bridges as mere functional or aesthetic objects, this research demonstrates their role in shaping cultural narratives, from ancient Roman aqueducts to medieval 'Devil's Bridges,' war-rebuilt structures like Mostar Bridge, and modern interventions such as Istanbul's requalified aqueducts and Venice's Calatrava Bridge. The analysis underscores how footbridges bridge not only physical spaces but also temporal and symbolic dimensions, reflecting the dynamic interplay between architecture, landscape, and human experience.

Siviero, E. (2022). Footbridge in History. Footbridge 2022, Madrid: Creating Experience. https://doi.org/10.24904/footbridge2022.152