Why is this bridge called the Romerbrucke? Right here before us stands the Romerbrucke a single-span rubble stone arch bridge. It spans the Haslach brook. The bridge lies east of Wurzburg in Gerbrunn. Its span measures about 19 meters. Its width is approximately 4 to 5 meters.
The Romerbrucke’s history is fascinating. Prince-Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim ordered its construction. He aimed to boost trade and industry in his bishopric. A key trade route ran from Vienna through Nuremberg and Wurzburg to Frankfurt. This route passed north of Gerbrunn. It then traversed the swampy Haslach valley. Finally it climbed steeply up the Rosssteige towards Biebelried. This steep incline proved difficult for merchants with carts. The Prince-Bishop sought a solution.
To alleviate the problem a dam was built across the Haslach valley. This dam was up to eight meters high and reinforced with rubble stone. A new road was constructed on top. This road served as an east-west connection. The Haslach was crossed by two bridges. The larger of these is the Romerbrucke we see today. The construction concluded in 1769.
However just three years later the Romerbrucke had to be closed. Its foundations had sunk into the swamp causing cracks. The trade route was rerouted through the valley to Rottendorf-Biebelried. The construction of the Ludwigs-West-Bahn railway in 1854 further reduced the need for the Romerbrucke. The age of stagecoaches ended. Roads and bridges became less important. Only with the advent of motorization did bridges regain significance. The unused Romerbrucke fell into disrepair. It even became impassable for pedestrians.
The Romerbrucke became a neglected part of the Gerbrunn community. There were several attempts to demolish or remove it. The bridge’s poor condition led authorities to close the paths. On October 5 1960 pedestrian access was also prohibited. Demolition was prevented however. The Romerbrucke was listed as a historical monument. The community was obligated to renovate it in 1978. Today plants grow on the Romerbrucke. The name’s origin remains uncertain. One theory links it to its ruinous state. Another suggests it’s named for the route to the “Römer” in Frankfurt. The Romerbrucke stands as Gerbrunn’s largest landmark. A testament to both ambition and the relentless march of time.