Venice is known as the City of Bridges, but Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania actually has more. Three more in fact, for a total of 446!
Ruth and I planned our trip to Pittsburgh with a primary goal of watching a football game, but we had plenty of other fun things planned as well (see the posts about Fallingwater and the drive through southwestern Maryland and western Pennslvania). We spent most of Friday exploring the city, walking over bridges, and soaking up the history, architecture, and culture of Pittsburgh. Over 6 miles, and too many photos to count later, we felt we’d gotten a real taste of the city.
Many of you have posted photos of locks of love on bridges from around the world, and it appears that Pittsburgh is getting into the act, too.
Some of the bridges in this river city have pedestrian walkways which join a riverwalk. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections over 37 miles.
The confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River is at Pittsburgh’s 36 acre Point State Park. It is there that they form the Ohio River. As we walked along the riverwalk, we passed a vibrant collection of runners, walkers, cyclists, and dogwalkers.
Expansive views of the city can be found from many vantage points, including the Monongahela and Dequesne Inclines (more on these in the next post).
Three of the 446 bridges are known as The Three Sisters. Similarly built self-anchored suspension bridges that span the Allegheny River, the bridges have been given formal names to honor important Pittsburgh residents: Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson.
We walked over 2 of the 3.
We were never at the right vantage point to catch a photo of the 3 Sisters in one view, so I downloaded this one so you could see how beautiful they are.
The melding of the historic and the modern are everywhere.
What a fabulous city!
Next post: Pittsburgh – Buildings and Architecture
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
I bet this photo would be stunning, too, in B&W.
Yes!! I converted some, but I agree, they others would have worked as well also.
Oh! Oh! So many bridges and all of them so scenic. It’s hard to imagine 446 bridges in a single city. I really like that first B&W, that shows the curving river and gives a good sense of the multiple bridges. The one of the tug pushing the barge draws me too. Thanks for finding a photo of the Three Sisters, because I would not have been able to imagine how spectacular it is to have three identical bridges side by side. I only wish they would all three have been named for Pittsburgh women.
We thought the same thing (about the Three Sisters)! After seeing the Rachel Carson, I assumed the other two would be named after women, too. Interesting, right? I would loved to have seen that view of all three, side by side. I loved this shot and would have given credit to the photographer but didn’t see a name.
Ah….I like how you’re splitting it up into categories. Bridges are definitely Priority 1. Nice photos!
Thanks Ruth!
Beautiful shots Laurie.
Thank you! I had such fun with the camera … as we walked and walked and walked. Someday I’d love to have the luxury of being able to just focus on the photography. Then again, the exploring is fun, too
Great photos, LB. Looks like you had a great time. 🙂
It was so much fun! I love to explore a new place!
Lovely images Laurie. I’ve never been to Pittsburgh. I’ll need to pay a visit one of these days.
This old steel town has been revitalized and has great energy. Lots of fun! I hope you get to check it out someday
Another beautiful city! I had the impression Pittsburgh was a down and out kind of a place. Obviously I had the wrong impression! Now I’m wondering how that happened……
Your impression was right …until about 20 years ago. Then the city began a major revitalization, remembering it’s steel origins but emphasizing the rivers, arts, restaurants, and sports (and I’m sure other things that I’m not aware of). I can’t wait to go back!!
Good to know I’m not wrong – just twenty years behind the times 😀
Laurie, every shot is just so cool. I really enjoyed this post. Great job all the way around and thank you SO much for taking the time to share these bridges with us. Love, amy
Thank you, Amy. I love your enthusiasm and your comments are much appreciated! xoxo
I’ve seen locks like that increasingly in Sydney too, including on the walkway of the harbour bridge, potentially obscuring the view. I wonder how long it’ll be before someone complains about that.
Dangerous, too! Check out this link about a bridge railing that collapsed under the weight of love.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/09/paris-locks-of-love-bridge-collapse_n_5470237.html
Wow, I did not realize there were so many bridges in Pittsburgh. Thanks for sharing the facts and the photos, Laurie.
I had no idea about the bridge either, and I am such a fan of bridges. It was great being able to walk over them and see such panoramic views.
Thanks for reminding me how beautiful Pittsburgh is.
It really is a beautiful city! Fascinating history, lots of water, and you can get out to “the country” in no time!
You’ve really captured part of what makes Pittsburgh unique! Your photos are great, as always!
Thank you! I swear I was ready to move there 🙂
Great post. I watch Pirate basrball game broadcasts and see the city background shots, which always makes me curious for more. I just need to ask the right person.
my friend and I both felt that the baseball field had much more character than the football stadium. Right on the river, with as you say, the city view all around … even the lights were interesting.
One of our very best friends is from Pittsburgh. He is constantly talking about this city. After viewing your pictures, I now can see why.
I swear, I was ready to move there! What a great city … and we only saw a small part of it!
These bridge photographs are brilliant Laurie! I love your perspective from different angles up close and from a distance. Great narration too!
Thanks Lori! I wondered how I would share so many bridges in a different way.
The pictures with the autumn colours are gorgeous, LB. I’m learning so much about the places you’ve visited – a really fabulous way to travel for someone like me who is so scared of flying! (I really must stop watching Air Crash Investigations!) Can’t wait for the next instalment – thanks so much for sharing your wonderful trip. xoxoxox
Oh Dani, I’ve never been real comfortable in the air either. We both need to get comfortable with it though, or we will never meet 🙂
So glad you are enjoying the posts about Pittsburgh. We had such fun!
Once again, a great piece, We did not know Rachel Carson had her own bridge! We featured Rachel a few months ago. Again, have you thought about travel writing. We never thought about visiting Pittsburgh before, but now we want to, xo LMA
What a second career that would be: travel writing!
I would love that (who wouldn’t?)
Pittsburgh,even though I only saw a bit, was incredbly fun! Can’t wait to go back!
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Great post Laurie 🙂 I’m telling you these cities should hire you to do PR advertising to attract tourists 🙂
Thanks Joe!! I love that you think that!!
Omgosh, what a beautiful city! I had no idea really. Their engineering department has really done a wonderful job of integrating the past and the present. They all look like they’re in good repair too. My favourite shot is the red key locks on the bridge. I hope Jessica and Ian have a nice wedding NEXT October, LOL they are jumping the gun a bit. Generous hugs, I’ve been thinking of you even though I’ve been too crazy busy to pop in most days. xoK
I’m so glad that you noticed Jessica and Ian’s red lock! They really are anticipating the big day!!
Thanks for thinking of me 🙂 xoxo
LOL, you know them! That’s too fun. Here I was thinking you stopped at some random bridge in a foreign city and snapped that happenstance. Well good love and luck to Ian and Jessica for a beautiful day. x o k
Oh I don’t know them, but my comment sure makes it seem like I do! Daylight Savings has messed with my ability to communicate 🙂
Too funny Laurie, now that I read that again I see it as you meant it. I’m a little discombobulated too. Had a late night. Well, I feel like we should crash their wedding now, LOL
Laurie !!! I thing this is them, Maybe they’d like a link to your post as part of their story?
https://www.facebook.com/ChristyFatulaPhotography
Oh my gosh I think you’re right!!! You are true detective!! Should I send the link???
I totally think you should LB. Could say they inspired this who conversation and wish them luck!
All I did was google their first names and Pittsburgh thinking they may have made an engagement announcement. Then I actually was surprised! LOL
I sent a message! I’ll let you know what happens 🙂
oh exciting, we’re like Sherlock and Holmes…can I be Holmes? Her wardrobe rocks, LOL
Oh my gosh, what a fun thread. They’re a real couple and Boomdee found them on the net. Laurie took this photo and blogged about it. And Petals noticed the date. Wow, wow, wow!!!! This is so fun.
I haven’t heard anything back yet, but will be sure to let you both know when I do (thinking positive) 🙂
I love bridges! In my mind they rank with trains and old sign posts as relics from a romantic, undefined, I’ve-watched-too-many-movies past.
Charming post!