Solkan, Solkan bridge

Solkan bridge is the most prominent bridge on the Bohinj Railway route between Jesenice and Gorica, and one of the most famous bridges in Slovenia. According to the known data, the bridge has the longest stone arch spanning over a river in the world and the longest stone arch among all railway bridges. 

The span of the main arch is 85 m. Rudolf Jaussner drew the plans for the bridge, and Leopold Orley directed its construction. The length of the whole object is 220 m. The bridge was under construction for two years, from spring 1904 until December 1905. The work was hindered mainly by the Soča River, which rose several times. For the main arch, they needed 4533 exactly fitted stones of limestone.

During World War I the bridge, mined by the Austrian army, was severely damaged. After the Kobarid breakthrough in October 1917, it was provisionally repaired and in 1918 trains were again crossing the bridge. The nation of Italy thoroughly repaired it and the stone arch was rebuilt.  The work lasted until 1927. Since then the bridge has been repaired several times, but it has preserved it original form and significance even after the construction of a new road bridge for the road towards the hills of Goriška Brda.