Ruins of the Ferenc József Bri... Note

Ruins of the Ferenc József Bridge in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest's Liberty Bridge, also known as Szabadság híd, is a visually striking green bridge connecting Gellert Hill and the Central Market. It is the only central bridge with regular tram service, making it a popular photographic subject. However, it holds a significant historical secret beneath its surface. The original Ferenc József Bridge was destroyed during World War II bombings in January 1945. When the Danube River's water level is low, especially in summer, the ruins of the former bridge become visible. These remnants are the skeleton of the bridge destroyed by a Soviet shell detonating German explosives. This destruction occurred on January 16, 1945, during the Siege of Budapest. The reappearance of these ruins is likely to become more frequent. This is due to the increasing occurrences of hot, dry summers caused by climate change in Hungary and across Europe. The low river levels allow glimpses of this submerged history to those who are observant.
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