The Bridges of Budapest

The Chain Bridge has been the first permanent bridge over the Danube. As a symbol of
Budapest, it was built in 1839-1849 on the initiative of Count István Széchenyi. The Chain
Bridge was designed by an Englishman, William Tierney Clark, and built by his namesake
Adam Clark.

The first carriage which used the bridge still under construction during the War of
Independence carried the Hungarian crown from Buda under siege to Debrecen. Later, the
Austrian troops wanted to explode Chain Bridge, but this attempt was forestalled by Adam
Clark, who flooded the chain chambers filled with explosives. It was blown up in World War
II, and re-opened on 20 November 1949, exactly 100 years after the first inauguration.

The 350 meter long Tunnel, running from the foot of the bridge under the Castle Hill, was
opened in 1856.

The Chain bridge is beautiful in daylight, but it is at night when its beauty most comes alive.