Fleischbrücke
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The most important stone arch bridge in Germany
The Meat Bridge is located in the narrowest flow of the Pegnitz River. It got its name from the district of Sebald, through which it flows, and where used to be meat shops. The Meat Bridge is described as the most important stone arch bridge in Germany built in the late Renaissance period.
It has been proud of its appearance today since 2005, when it was extensively reconstructed. Originally there was a simple wooden bridge that burned down in 1418. Its successor, also the wooden bridge, was swept in 1432 by a flood, as well as a subsequent two-block bridge with a central pillar. The city council decided on the construction of the building, which would connect the two important parts of Nuremberg. Therefore, under the leadership of Wolf-Jakobs Stromer a bridge with one arch was built in 1596-98, following the pattern of the Ponte di Rialto bridge in Venice.
The swampy ground and the fact that the bridge must not narrow the flow profile of the Pegnitz river was a challenge for the builders. The excellent mastery of the developed engineering technology is proof that the Meat Bridge has withstood all the pitfalls for four centuries, and survived the bombing in World War II, in contrast with the surrounding Old Town, which turned into ruins.
