Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.




Waltzing Australia

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Princes Bridge

Melbourne Today
Princes Bridge, one of the central bridges in Melbourne links Swanston Street to St Kilda Road and because of its position, is often a focal point for celebratory events in Melbourne such as New Years Eve, Moomba and many other events taking place on the Yarra.
Built in 1886 - 1888, and in the best Melbourne tradition, the bridge is built on solid bluestone bulwarks - none of your flimsy sandstone - with plenty of cast iron.

The circular building is Hamer hall, part of the Melbourne Arts Complex where you can enjoy a variety of performances such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, comedy and gala film events. The brown(ish) building is the Herald Sun and the blue one is the Eureka Tower.


Princes Bridge
Melbourne 1855
Above is a sketch showing the earlier Princes Bridge built of sandstone in 1850 and which stood for 35 years. Melbourne has come a long way in a mere 160 years.
(Sketch of the Paddlesteamer Gondola to Cremorne Gardens in 1855. State Library of Victoria)

Today's Quote: The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving - Oliver Wendell Holmes.

14 comments:

B SQUARED said...

Looks like it was built to last forever;and it just might.

brattcat said...

She's a beauty of a bridge and you've composed the shot so well to show her (and Melbourne) off to advantage.

Lowell said...

A truly magnificent bridge...reminds me a bit of Paris! And those buildings are architectural marvels...just beautiful! Great photograph, too!

Small City Scenes said...

I love the new mixed in with the old. Great shot.

I wonder if the paddlewheel stack could fit under the bridge back then? MB

VP said...

A great bridge really built to last. Looking at the old bridge I understand your comment about sandstone...
Nice quote either!

Cezar and Léia said...

Melbourne is soooooo charming!
God bless you!
Cezar

Three Rivers, Michigan said...

How interesting to see how the city has grown around the bridge (compared to the 1855 drawing.) Lots of decorative elements, the lights, the railing, and what is it on those medallions?
Three Rivers Daily Photo

Unknown said...

Beautiful curved lines in the top photo, each one echoing the others. Melbourne has changed a lot in the past 160 years.

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

B Squared - We Melbournians have 'aspirations' - we build to last!

Brattcat - Princes Bridge is our grandest.

Jacob - Praise indeed being compared with your beautiful Paris.

Small City Scenes - I wondered the same thing too.

VP - Sandstone is beautiful but doesn't weather well.

Cezar and Léia - Perhaps you and Léia may make it to Melbourne some day?
Thanks.

Three Rivers - The medallions are decoratived spandrels made from cast iron and feature the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Melbourne Coat of Arms, the Royal Arns and six of the seven municipalities that contributed to the cost of the bridge.
For some unkown reason, the Shire of Malvern was omitted.

Cheers.

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

Stine in Ontario - I think the city founders of Melbourne would be pleased.
Cheers.

diane b said...

Nice shot of the bridge and buildings. Interesting facts too. I loved visiting the Eureka Building a few years ago.

~Cheryl said...

I find your bridge royally interesting! What a beautiful setting for special events.

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

Diane - That's one thing I have to do this summer - go uo the Eureka Tower.

Cheryl - It's the most photographed bridge here.

arabesque said...

that's a sunny shot!
this stunning bridge has quite a remarkable history, just look at the before and after! ^0^

Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.