Lucerne Covered Bridges

Why the Lucerne Covered Bridges are special
Two of them - the Mill Bridge and the more famous Chapel Bridge - are historical medieval constructions.

Chapel Bridge tips and insights
Setting
It spans the Reuss River for a length of 204 meters or 670 feet. A medieval water tower picturesquely stands next to it (see photo).

Origin
The Kapell (German name) bridge was built in 1333 for defensive purposes.

Paintings
In the 17th century, over 100 panel paintings depicting local history were mounted in the triangular rafters.

Fire
On August 18, 1993, a fire destroyed much of the bridge (firefighters managed to save only the sections nearest the two ends).

Within a year, the ruined wooden sections were restored or rebuilt.

Sadly, the majority of the paintings were either blackened or hopelessly burned. However, enough survived to bear testament to the bridge's former glory.

Mill Bridge tips and insights
Similarities and differences
Like the Chapel Bridge, this wooden covered bridge crosses the Reuss River in Lucerne. And it has 17th century paintings in its rafters.

However, a number of the Mill Bridge paintings deal with the black plague, some gruesomely so. And the bridge is off the beaten tourist path.

Location in Switzerland