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Bridges have always been important hinges on the world's trade routes. The Krämerbrücke in Erfurt is the city's landmark and the longest bridge in Europe that is completely built up with houses. As in the late Middle Ages, artisans and small business owners live and work there. Many of them live here and make it a real trading bridge. The Nordkasteelbrücke in the port of Antwerp, the second largest in Europe, enables goods to be transported within the port area. Because it can be folded up, it also allows large container ships access to the docks. Lift bridges have a long tradition in Belgium and the Netherlands. But without them, trade in the port of Antwerp would still be impossible today. The people who cross the Nordkasteelbrücke are as international as the ships that dock here. And the purpose of their visit to the port is very different: there is the ship's chaplain who provides pastoral care for the crews, the shepherdess whose flock grazes on the remaining green areas, or the food chemist who checks the quality of a freshly arrived shipment of cocoa. The Krämerbrücke is the landmark of the city of Erfurt and the longest bridge in Europe that is built entirely with houses. It was built in the 14th century and crosses the Breitstrom, a tributary of the Gera. In the Middle Ages, the bridge was part of the Via Regia, one of the most important trade routes that ran across Europe. Located in the middle of Germany, it is now a tourist magnet and a village in its own right in the heart of Erfurt's old town. People who live here have to like the special flair. There are only a few meters between the houses. At peak times, 5,000 tourists cross the bridge every day. But the Krämerbrücke is popular as a place to live and work. The rents on the bridge are moderate, so artists, artisans and small business owners with low incomes can also afford the apartments and shops. Dreamers, lateral thinkers, creative people and brave people who have found happiness on and around the bridge are drawn here. They use the bridge as a place to live, work or play area for sports. Documentary series, directed by Silvia Palmigiano and Philippe Rigot (D 2019, 52 min) Link to the media library: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/078686-... #brücken #antwerpen #arte Video available until 20/12/2024 Subscribe to our YouTube culture channel: / @artekulturkanal Subscribe to our main YouTube channel (documentaries and reports): / artede Follow us on social networks: Facebook: / artede Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arte.tv/?hl=de