Foto gentilmente concesse da Casa Editrice Bonechi


An architectural jewel with one single span 107 metres long and 40 metres wide links the Esplanade des Invalides to the Champs Elysées. Built between 1896 and 1900, its is named after Tsar Alexander III whose son, Nicholas II officially opened it. The bridge was actually constructed to celebrate the ratification of the Russian-French alliance. Garlands of flowers, torches held aloft by putti, and allegories of sea spirits compose the elaborate decorations which enrich the bridge. On the two supporting pillars on the right hand bank are representations of medieval France and modern France, whilst on the left bank are statues representing renaissance France and the country in the era of Louis XIV. The allegories of the Seine and the Neva, also to symbolise France and Russia, are on the pillars at the entrance of the bridge.