The Ultimate Thrill: Europe's Highest Tibetan Bridge Now Open
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Bridge
A remarkable new attraction has emerged in the Italian region of Umbria, specifically in the town of Sellano. The highest Tibetan bridge in Europe has officially opened, offering an exhilarating experience suspended 175 meters above the ground. This bridge quickly captured the attention of thrill-seekers and tourists alike, providing a unique opportunity to walk across a stunning landscape.
Sky Bridge — [Photo: Tomas.drapal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
Chapter 2: A Heart-Pounding Experience
Crossing this Tibetan-style bridge can be a nerve-wracking endeavor for many. Unlike typical suspended walkways, this bridge features a design without a solid platform, relying solely on vertical cables that bend significantly. This can create an unsettling sensation of swaying for those crossing.
The bridge, which connects Sellano to Montesanto across the Valnerina valley, spans 517.5 meters above the Vigi River canyon. While the vistas are breathtaking, the height can make it difficult to appreciate them. With a vertical drop of 175 meters and a height difference of 68 meters between its two ends, this bridge features a total of 1,023 steps, many of which have gaps requiring cautious navigation.
Video Description: Experience Europe's highest Tibetan bridge and the breathtaking views it offers to thrill-seekers.
Section 2.1: Ticket Information
The combination of stunning mountain scenery and the thrill of height has quickly drawn tourists to the bridge, with tickets selling out weeks in advance. The cost for a one-way crossing is 25 euros, while a round trip costs 35 euros. However, several rules must be adhered to for safety. Visitors must be at least 120 cm tall, and appropriate safety gear—including a helmet, harness, and gloves—is mandatory. Animals are not allowed, and a maximum of 90 individuals can be on the bridge simultaneously. The bridge operates for 8 hours each day throughout both summer and winter, with construction costs totaling 1.4 million euros.
Chapter 3: The Story Behind the Bridge
While the bridge now stands as a popular tourist attraction, its creation was prompted by a tragic backdrop. In 2016, a series of powerful earthquakes devastated central Italy, particularly affecting the scenic Umbria region. Many towns were left in ruins, and locals sought alternative income sources to rebuild their lives.
In response, the idea to create a tourist attraction emerged, aimed at revitalizing the area and combating depopulation, as explained by Sellano's mayor, Attilio Gubbiotti. The bridge was envisioned as a means to attract visitors and boost local businesses. Given the surge in interest surrounding the bridge, it appears that the initiative has achieved its intended outcomes.
Sky Bridge — [Photo: Tomas.drapal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
Chapter 4: Alternative Attractions
For those unable to travel to Italy, there’s a comparable experience at the Sky Bridge in Dolní Morava, Czech Republic. Opened on May 13, 2022, this bridge spans 721 meters and offers a thrilling walk across a mountain ridge, reaching heights of 95 meters above a picturesque valley.
Video Description: Discover the new Tibetan bridge in Italy that allows visitors to walk 175 meters above the ground for an unforgettable experience.
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