- Address: 20308 Narva, Estonia;
- Built: in 1960;
- Length: 162 meters.
Did you know that the border between states can be not only a gloomy customs zone somewhere far from civilization? Looking at the beautiful majestic bridge across Narva, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, it is difficult to believe that you are looking at nothing but the border territory of the two countries: the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia. Moreover, the name of him is so kind and possessive, which is not at all associated with customs control, - the Friendship Bridge.
History of the bridge and main characteristics
Historically, the river Narva has long divided Russia and Estonia. Once upon a time, both its banks belonged to one mighty power, but time put everything in its place. Today Narva is again a border river. Russia and Estonia came to a consensus and decided not to burden the strategic reservoir with political statutes, but to recognize Narva as a neutral territory that simply serves as a conditional frontier. In addition, at the time of the collapse of the USSR, there was already a monumental crossing with a symbolic name - the Friendship Bridge.
This building was erected in 1960. The length of Friendship Bridge across Narva is 162 meters. It was built of reinforced concrete. The whole construction consists of three spans (length of each 42 meters). On both sides of the bridge there are pedestrian areas and powerful lighting lines. Every day Narva ships about a thousand cars and several dozen buses.
Given the non-standard format of the bridge, unfortunately, without traffic jams on the road is not complete. But the mood of drivers and their passengers is not the same as on other borders. After all, the views that open on both sides of the bridge are simply incredible - a river fascinating with its peaceful flow and two world sights: the Narva Castle and the Ivangorod Fortress .
On the territory of Estonia to the right of the Friendship Bridge in Narva city beach is located, on the left is the promenade , which leads to the bastion of Victoria . Unfortunately, just walking along the legendary bridge will not work. Free access to it is closed, as well as descent down the stairs of Adolph Haan, connecting the upper and lower promenade.
Interesting Facts
- in 2005, one of the poles cracked on the Druzhba Bridge, repairs were made quickly, but it became an "alarm bell", after which the Estonian authorities seriously considered the large-scale reconstruction, which was subsequently carried out in 2010;
- in the 80s of the last century a single museum complex was created, which unites two cultic fortresses - Narva and Ivangorod, but the collapse of the Soviet empire "buried" this idea;
- from time to time, both sides (Russia and Estonia) are proposing new projects for the construction of an additional bridge across Narva, but so far "Friendship" remains the only link in this section of the border (the main reason is the huge investment in construction, which no one at this stage is ready do);
- since 2012 the word "Bridge of Friendship" is associated not only with the architectural structure, an international cultural festival is held annually in Narva on the city day with the participation of teams from St. Petersburg, Narva and invited guests (the event lasts for several days, the program is always very rich and varied, includes theatrical productions, festive processions, film premiers, concerts and fairs);
- in mid-2017, the premiere of the Russian detective series "Most" was announced, in which the main plot events unfold directly on the famous Estonian-Russian ferry Druzhba.