Horror of Dance of Death on Spreuer Bridge in Lucerne
About 400 m from the famous Kapellbruecke Bridge or Chapel Bridge is another covered wooden bridge, the Spreuer Bridge. Include a walk through (German: Spreuerbrucke) Spreuer Bridge over the River Reuss as one of the things to do in Luzern. It is one of the oldest bridge and popular bridges of Lucerne, is shorter than the Chapel Bridge with its water tower.
The bridge is called the Spreuer bridge because chaffs of wheat were thrown in the river here. So the bridge is also known by the name – Chaff Bridge.
Death Bridge in Lucerne with 67 Paintings
History of Spreuer Bridge in Lucerne
Built in 1408 it formed a part of the outer fortification of the city of Lucerne in medieval times. The present bridge is a rebuilt version of 1568 because a storm in 1566 destroyed the original bridge. Major renovations were done on the bridge once more in 1889.
Some legends mention that the bridge which was built to connect the city mills with the baker’s quarter on the other side of the river. The bakers were placed on the left bank as it was feared that the fire from their stoves, kept alive at night would destroy the whole city.
Must see feature of Spreuerbrucke Bridge is a small chapel in the middle, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This was made in 1568. Like Chapel Bridge this too has a series of paintings in its ceilings but the theme is different.
Bridge in Lucerne Switzerland
Spreuerbrucke Lucerne Covered Bridge
67 Paintings in Spreuer Bridge Lucerne
Painter – Casper Meglinger
Time – 1625 – 1635
Theme – Danse Macabre (Dance of death).
The paintings in Death Bridge in Lucerne were based on the theme ‘17th Century plague ‘The Black Death’’. The theme is that it does not matter who you are—man and woman, child, priest, warrior, prince, wise man, a young bride, a devout nun, a lawmaker, a hunter, a craftsman, everyone—you were at the mercy of the Plague, at the mercy of Death itself.
Lucerne Bridge Paintings
Spreuer Bridge in Lucerne Switzerland is famous:
- Being one of the most popular Lucerne’s landmark
- This bridge is considered to be Europe’s oldest covered bridge.
- Spreuer Bridge was originally a part of the city fortifications
- This is one of the two covered wooden footbridges
- It has a striking series of paintings
The Death Bridge Spreuerbrücke
These paintings begin at the northern bank side with a little verse:
All living things that fly or leap
Or crawl or swim or run or creep
Fear Death, yet can they find no spot
In all the world where Death is not.
Between 1626 and 1635 Kaspar Meglinger added 67 paintings representing the “Dance of Death”. Hence the Spreuerbrücke bridge is also known by the name Dance of Death Bridge.
There is another one modern bridge over the River Reuss with metal railing. We enjoyed walking across all the three bridges in Lucerne; two historical, one modern.
Lucerne Covered Bridge
Also read: Needle Dam over River Ruess
Trivia: A third bridge of this type – the Hofbrücke – existed in Lucerne, but was demolished in the 19th century.
Address: Spreuerbrücke, at Kasernenplatz, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland
Google Coordinates: 47.05218655639328, 8.301576369313803
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A bridge with paintings! Remarkable – we keep learning from your posts.
It's amazing.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Wonderful bridges! Thank goodness the old bridge wasn't completely destroyed in the fire. The newer bridge really has a lovely arch and railing. Thanks for visiting mine.
Hi!
Today I share with you "The Sunday Bridge" at Louis Blog.
Great job!
Best regards from Argentina
Elisa
I know I say it EVERY time, but I love the way you give me little history and art lessons with your posts. Beautiful captures.
Fantastic contribution to Sunday Bridges!
How international! A blogger in India posting images of bridges in Europe on a meme hosted by a blog in San Francisco!
;-D
«Louis» thanks you for your contribution!
Thank you for all the details on the bridge! It made it all the more interesting! The wooden bridge with the roof is very pretty, although the story is very sad…
Both bridges are beautiful, though in very different ways. The story the wooden bridge tells of the plague is fascinating and horrifying at the same time.
We truly ARE equal in the eyes of Death. I love covered bridges. This one is fascinating.
the covered bridge is quite enchanting. the paintings are an added interest. great shot on the new bridge.
the covered bridge is quite enchanting. the paintings are an added interest. great shot on the new bridge.
Who doesn't love an antique bridge? With paintings no less. But I'm surprised at how much I like the design of the modern one too.
wow!!!! its amazing that the paintings have borne up so well to time!
all images are beautiful 🙂
Nice photos to go with your stories!
Beautiful capture!
Thank you for sharing.
Happy weekend.
That is positively beautiful. Just stunning.
Love the old bridge! The paintings are a bit different…. thanks again for sharing your part of the world with me.
Switzerland was such an enjoyable holiday. Your posts on Lucerne and the chapel bridge brought back wonderful memories.
Looks like a lovely walk. Switzerland is a beautiful country. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing your trip.
Very detailed paintings out there on the bridge. Old and new in a fine combination.
Very beautiful photos!
My goodness! This is such a mesmerizing place!! The quote about "Death" is so true…
Pixellicious Photos
You always bring us such great pictures and history!
Thank you.
Very interesting and picturesque bridge. Interesting story.
Marvelous historical bridge! Beauatiful photos.
Thanks for sharing another beautiful, historical bridge with us. These wooden bridges are beautiful. Thanks for taking us along as you cross over them.
What a walk. Those Swiss are just amazing.
That's amazing! I love covered bridges anyway, but this one is incredible.
can find no spot where the death is not
..
this is a great warning to me.
Beautiful as always. I'm never disappointed when I cross the bridge into your blog.
Wow. Fresco in a covered bridge.