Bridges are often overlooked while taking a quick glance at famous architecture, but fortunately, we will be taking a look at one today! We go forward nearly 1000 years this time, to 1602 CE. The Si-o-se Pol, or the Bridge of 33 Arches, in Isfahan, Iran is one of the most famous remnants of the Safavid dynasty, which ruled all of modern-day Iran, and several surrounding countries for more than 200 years. The bridge is one of the legacies of Shah Abbas I.
The bridge, pictured above, is made of 2 layers of 33 arches, hence the name. The design relies heavily on symmetry, as is obvious in the picture. The 33 base arches and the smaller double arches above complement each other well, giving the illusion of length and making the bridge look longer than it truly is. At a length of 525 feet and width of 45 feet, it is no small bridge, although it is far from the largest in the area. The inside is hollow, and allows for the passage of pedestrians, as can be seen here.
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