Lower Stone Bridge

Lower Stone BridgeDue to its location, Hof was an important trading post between Leipzig, Eger, and Bayreuth since its first mention in 1214, and probably even before. People settled very early on at a topographically well-situated ford over the Saxon Saale River. Over time, this village-like settlement developed into the town of Hof. The town grew continuously along the northward trade route, with the maintenance and expansion of important roads being essential for the town's prosperity. For this reason, the construction of a paved arterial road between the "inner" and "outer" suburbs became necessary, prompting the construction of the Lower Stone Bridge.
The exact year of construction of the Lower Stone Bridge is unknown. The first depiction of the characteristic structure with its three arches dates from 1553. The bridge may have been built together with the "Lower Gate" in 1230, as this also required the construction of an arterial road over the Saale. Other sources speak of 1260, when the Saale was dammed to operate the Hospital Mill, and a ford that had existed until then could no longer be used.Over the following centuries, the bridge was restored several times and subjected to extensive reconstruction. For example, the renewal of the bridge arches and pillars, completed in 1706, of which marble inscription stones still bear witness today. The last extensive reconstruction took place in 1878. Due to the changing use as a transport route, the roadway and sidewalks were widened, among other things.In 1945, the two western bridge arches were blown up to prevent or impede the invasion of Allied troops. Five years later, the remains were demolished and rebuilt with new, historicist-style brickwork. Excavations in 2017 uncovered the medieval wing walls of the bridge structure, which had previously served their purpose. The archaeological investigation yielded extensive insights into how the Lower Stone Bridge was built in the Middle Ages and which materials, construction types, and designs were used.Source: Excerpts from itv-grabungen.de/magazin/die-geschichte-der-unteren-steinernen-bruecke-hof