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Bridge of Sighs

TIME : 2016/2/22 10:46:27
Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge, more commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway bridge linking two parts of Hertford College over New College Land in Oxford, England. The Old Quadrangle, which houses the college's administrative offices, is to the south, and the New Quadrangle, which is mostly student accommodation, is to the north. It was completed in 1914 and is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because it supposedly looks like the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. However, many say it more closely resembles Venice's Rialto Bridge. It is one of the area's top tourist sights due to its unique look and design. 
There was a famous legend about the bridge from decades ago that said a survey was taken of the health of the students of the University of Oxford. The results of the survey indicated that Hertford College students were the heaviest, resulting in the college closing the bridge in order to force the students to take the stairs and get more exercise. However, this legend is false and the bridge was never closed. In fact, the students would actually be climbing fewer stairs by not taking the bridge. 

Practical Info

The Bridge of Sighs crosses New College Lane just east of Catte Street in Oxford, England.