Bridge of Peace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bridge of Peaceმშვიდობის ხიდი |
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The bow-shaped bridge connects Old Tbilisi with the new district
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| Coordinates | 41°41′34″N 44°48′30″E / 41.6929°N 44.8082°E |
| Crosses | Kura River (Mtkvari) |
| Locale | Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Maintained by | Tbilisi City Administration |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | through truss, cantilever and arch bridge |
| Total length | 150 metres (490 ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | May 6, 2010 |
The Bridge of Peace (called mshvidobis khidi in Georgian) is a special bridge in Tbilisi, Georgia. It is shaped like a bow and made of steel and glass. Many LED lights make it glow at night. The bridge crosses the Kura River. It connects Rike Park with the Old Town area.
Since it opened in 2010, the bridge has become very important. People use it to walk between parts of the city. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit. The Bridge of Peace is now one of the most famous sights in Tbilisi.
Contents
History of the Bridge of Peace
The city of Tbilisi wanted a modern bridge to connect its old and new areas. So, they ordered this unique bridge. It stretches for 150 meters (about 492 feet) over the Kura River.
The Bridge of Peace officially opened on May 6, 2010. From the bridge, you can see many famous landmarks. On one side, you can spot the Metekhi Church. You can also see the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, who founded the city. The old Narikala Fortress is also visible. On the other side, you can see the Baratashvili Bridge. The Ceremonial Palace of Georgia is also in view.
Designing the Bridge
An Italian architect named Michele De Lucchi designed the bridge. He also designed other important buildings in Tbilisi. These include the Ceremonial Palace of Georgia. He also designed the Ministry of Internal Affairs building.
A French lighting designer, Philippe Martinaud, created the bridge's lights. The main parts of the bridge were built in Italy. They were then brought to Tbilisi using 200 trucks. The special lights were put in place when the bridge was put together.
Light Show at Night
The bridge looks like a curvy steel and glass roof. It shines brightly at night with an amazing light show. Thousands of white LED lights make it glow. The roof has 1,208 special LED lights. The glass railings along the walkway also have small LED lights inside them.
The lights turn on 90 minutes before sunset. They stay on until 90 minutes after sunrise. The bridge has four different light shows that play every hour. Sometimes, the lights move in waves from one side of the river to the other. Other times, light bands start at each end and meet in the middle. Then they fade out and start again.
Another program lights up the outer parts of the roof. Then it briefly lights up the whole bridge before going dark. The fourth program makes the roof sparkle like stars. Different groups of lights turn on and off across the bridge.
Interactive Lights
Inside the bridge walkway, the lights in the glass railings are special. They have 240 motion sensors. When people walk by, these sensors make the lights turn on. It looks like the bridge lights up just for each person walking on it.
Also, a secret message goes across the bridge every hour. It is written in Morse code. This message shows the periodic table of elements. The lighting designer, Philippe Martinaud, said this light show celebrates "life and peace between people."
Bridge Discussions
Building a new steel and glass bridge in the old part of Tbilisi caused some discussion. Some people, including architects and city planners, felt it did not fit in. They worried that the modern bridge looked too big next to the old buildings. They thought it might hide the historical landmarks of the area.
See also
In Spanish: Puente de la Paz para niños
