Krakow’s Father Bernat Footbridge, also known as the Bridge of Love, was built in 2010 and since then both residents and tourists have been eagerly using it. It easily connects beautiful Podgórze and historic Kazimierz, which are must-sees on many trips. You can use the footbridge both on foot and by bike, and the view of the Vistula River and beautiful tenement houses are only its additional advantage. However, this is not the only reason why it has become so popular. It has been made a unique place by lovers who, as a sign of their love, lock padlocks with their initials on the balustrade and throw the key into the Vistula flowing under the footbridge.
Romantic custom or dangerous behavior? Padlocks are a threat to the bridge
Hanging padlocks with lovers’ initials on bridges as a symbol of lasting and never-ending love is a common custom that is also practiced in other cities. We can find similar places in Poland, including: in Wrocław, Gdańsk and Warsaw, as well as abroad, i.e. in Prague or Paris. Unfortunately, although the tradition seems extremely romantic and seemingly harmless, in reality it is otherwise. Due to too many heavy padlocks and attempts to break them, the Bernatka footbridge must undergo renovationbecause its balustrade was damaged.
On February 5, the renovation of the Father Bernatek footbridge began. It will last 2 months
The romantic tradition of lovers meant that the damage was so extensive and serious that it began to pose a threat to the life and health of residents and tourists walking along the footbridge. For this reason, a decision was made to renovate the pedestrian part. The first demolition works were carried out on February 5, and the repair itself will take approximately 2 months and will cost PLN 600,000. zloty.
What about the padlocks from the footbridge? The decision has not been made
The question remains: what will happen to the padlocks, which were supposed to be a symbol of lasting and everlasting love? At this point, the answer is unknown. In 2022, a survey was conducted in which Krakow residents could propose their solution to the lock problem. There were suggestions to melt them down to make a sculpture or move them to another place. Will this happen? It is unknown. However, it is worth knowing that this is not the first situation in which this type of custom has become a threat. In 2014, the Lovers’ Bridge partially collapsed due to too many heavy padlocks (approx. 45 tons!). As a result, the padlocks were removed.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
