This bridge was built over Zwickauer Mulde in the very centre of town in 1900, after its former incarnation - a covered wooden bridge dating from the 17th century - was superseded by the then-modern steel rivet construction.
The Paradiesbrücke could be regarded as the younger sister of Dresden's Blaues Wunder, since the two bridges are similar in their construction. Indeed, both buildings were constructed by the Königin-Marien-Hütte ironworks, based in Zwickau's Cainsdorf district. Measuring 69 metres long and 12 metres wide, the bridge is one of Zwickau's most recognisable landmarks today.
The Legend has it that Luther was lured into an ambush by irate Franciscans during a visit to Zwickau. As he was unable to fend off the attack by these armed monks, he fled across the bridge to the other side of the Mulde and took refuge in the nearest tavern. Once inside, he is said to have exclaimed: “Thank God that he let me find this house. For verily, it was to be my paradise.” From that date on, the inn has been called Das Paradies, but in any case, the name is quite apt because of its idyllic location.
