“Who built this bridge?” a child’s voice echoed under the Fernabrücke. “And why is it called *Ferna*brücke?” Good questions. The Fernabrücke isn’t just a bridge. It’s a crossing point steeped in history. A vital artery connecting Nuremberg and Fürth, humming with over 30,000 vehicles daily. But its story begins long before cars, even before the first bridge was built. Imagine farmers from Kreutles, Unterasbach, and Oberasbach, their carts laden with goods, heading to the Nuremberg market. They didn’t cross on a bridge, but a ford. A natural ford created by sand deposited by the Asbach River. As trade flourished along the Rothenburg to Nuremberg route, known as the “high road”, the need for a proper, year-round crossing became crucial. A document from the Nuremberg burgrave mentions a “bridge near Weikershof” in 1269. This is the earliest documented reference to a bridge at this location. By 1634, it’s referred to as “die firner Brücken,” which explains the current name, Fernabrücke. The bridge has faced its share of challenges, particularly from floods. Imagine the raging Rednitz waters surging against the bridge, testing its strength. The turn of the 20th century brought another test: a massive increase in traffic from brick deliveries from nearby brickworks. A new iron bridge was built in 1900 to handle the load. But tragedy struck in 1945 when the German army destroyed the Fernabrücke. Temporary bridges served until 1955, when a graceful, curved reinforced concrete structure, 70 meters long, replaced them. For almost 60 years, this new Fernabrücke carried the weight of progress. Then, in 2014 and 2016, both the south and north sections underwent extensive renovations. So, the Fernabrücke stands today, not just as a bridge, but as a testament to resilience, a symbol of connection, and a silent witness to centuries of history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to