Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 209, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 September 1914 — FAMOUS OLD CHAPEL BRIDGE [ARTICLE]

FAMOUS OLD CHAPEL BRIDGE

Antiquity of Which the People of Lucerne in Switzerland Are Ex-' tremely Proud. y Lucerne, in Switzerland, possesses what is probably the most unique bridge in the world, as well as one of the greatest historic Interest This bridge, known as the Kapellbrucke, Or •‘Chapel bridge,** crosses the River Reuss at its junction wjth Lake Luoerne. It was constructed so long £go

as 1333, and for nearly 600 years has formed the chief avenue of traffic across'the broad but sluggish stream. In other days the bridge extended its zigzag shape to nearly twice its present length, and reached as far as the hofklrche, or cathedral, whence Its name. . In the center of this covered wooden bridge stands the famous octagonal “wasserthurm," or water tower, where in olden times the municipal treasure was stored. For ages it was also used as a prison, and among its dun-

geons is a torture chamber. But the most unique feature of all consists of the series of curious pictures in the roof of the bridge. There are 69 of these painted on triangular wqoden panels fitted into the pitched roof of the bridge. One after another they tell the salient facts of Swiss history or portray events in the life of the saints of the town, St Leodgar and St. Maurice.