Chain Bridge
The granddaddy of them all is the Chain Bridge (Lánchíd), which was completed in 1849. Initiated by Count István Széchenyi, it was the first permanent bridge across the river. This proud structure boasts pillars in the shape of twin triumphal arches, and its approaches are guarded by stone lions. At night, thousands of light bulbs illuminate the bridge.
Elisabeth Bridge
The original Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd) was totally destroyed in WWII - this replacement went up in 1964 and quickly became a symbol of the city's postwar reconstruction. Its off-white hue and streamlined design give it a somewhat generic look.Margaret Bridge
The view from the recently restored Margaret Bridge (Margit híd) is majestic, encompassing Castle Hill and Parliament. Margaret Bridge curves in the middle in order to reach Margaret Island. Explosive charges rigged here by the Germans in 1944 apparently went off early: the bridge blew up with a tram on it, killing dozens of people.Freedom Bridge
Freedom Bridge (Szabadság híd) was known as Franz Josef Bridge before the war. With turuls (the mythical Hungarian birds) and crests of old Hungary adorning its pillars, this forest-green bridge evokes the late Habsburg era.