Spreuer Bridge
Luzern
The Spreuer Bridge is one of two remaining covered wooden footbridges in Lucerne, Switzerland, alongside the more famous Kapellbrücke. Originally built in the 13th century, it connected the Mühlenplatz on the right bank of the Reuss River with the mills in the river's center, later extending to the left bank around 1408. Its name derives from the medieval practice of dumping chaff (Spreu in German) into the river from this bridge, as it was the lowest bridge in the city. The bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1566 and subsequently rebuilt, including the addition of a granary known as the Herrenkeller. Inside the bridge's triangular pediments are 45 surviving paintings from a larger cycle of 67, created between 1616 and 1637 under Kaspar Meglinger's direction. These paintings depict a Danse Macabre (Totentanz), illustrating the omnipresence of death across all social classes and locations. The bridge also houses a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, integrating religious motifs and figures from the church year. Visitors can experience guided tours with actors and audio guides that bring the paintings and the bridge's rich history to life. Despite being less famous than the Kapellbrücke, the Spreuer Bridge remains a culturally significant and visually captivating landmark in Lucerne.
Planifiez votre voyage en Suisse avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: The best time to visit the Spreuer Bridge is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed Danse Macabre paintings inside. Consider booking guided tours or using the available audio guide to enrich your experience with historical context. Tickets can often be purchased in combination with visits to nearby museums. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Arriving early in the day can help avoid crowds, especially in peak tourist seasons.
Faits intéressants
- •The Spreuer Bridge is one of only two surviving covered wooden footbridges in Lucerne, the third (Hofbrücke) having been demolished in the 19th century.
- •Its name comes from the medieval practice of dumping chaff (Spreu) into the Reuss River from the bridge, a unique allowance in the city.
- •The bridge houses the largest known cycle of Danse Macabre paintings, originally 67 panels, with 45 still preserved.
- •The Danse Macabre paintings were created under Kaspar Meglinger's direction between 1616 and 1637 and include portraits and coats of arms of donors and prominent Lucerne citizens.
- •A small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary is integrated into the bridge, featuring motifs from the church year cycles.
- •English painter Constance Mary Hemsworth was so inspired by the Spreuer Bridge that she built a faithful replica in her garden in North Yorkshire, England.
Histoire
The Spreuer Bridge was first constructed in the 13th century to connect the Mühlenplatz with the mills in the middle of the Reuss River.
Its extension to the left bank was completed around 1408.
The bridge was unique in allowing the dumping of chaff and leaves into the river, a privilege due to its position as the lowest bridge in the city.
In 1566, a flood destroyed much of the structure, leading to its reconstruction including the addition of the Herrenkeller granary.
The northern part was rebuilt in 1591, and further modifications were made in 1803 by master carpenter Joseph Ritter.
The bridge has since remained a protected cultural monument of national significance in Switzerland.
Guide du lieu
Danse Macabre Paintings1616-1637
A unique series of 45 surviving triangular wooden panels inside the bridge depicting the Dance of Death, illustrating death's inevitability across all social classes. Created between 1616 and 1637 under Kaspar Meglinger, these paintings include donor portraits and coats of arms, with poetic inscriptions.
Herrenkeller GranaryPost-1566
A granary structure added as the bridge's southern head during the post-1566 reconstruction. It stands between the Natural History Museum and the Historical Museum in Lucerne today.
Bridge Chapel 'Maria auf der Reuss'
A small chapel integrated into the Spreuer Bridge, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It features religious motifs and figures from the liturgical year, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the bridge.
Contact
Téléphone: 041 227 17 17