Witches' Bridge (Penitents' Bridge) - a popular name for a connector in the form of a bridge connecting the two towers of the cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in Wroclaw.
The existence of this bridge is mentioned for the first time in 1459, shortly after the completion of the construction of both towers. It is located at an altitude of 45 m, from the beginning it served as a viewpoint, an orchestra also played on it. It has been renewed several times, including in 1632. The bridge burned down together with the towers on the night of March 22-23, 1887, during the fireworks show on the occasion of the birthday of Emperor William I. Reconstruction was made in 1888–1892.
Also at the end of World War II, on May 17, 1945, the explosion broke the southern tower of the church - its northern half collapsed, destroying the Witches' Bridge. It was rebuilt only over half a century later, at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The name comes from one of the legends, according to which after dark on the bridge there were repentant souls of deceased travelers in the city. Another legend is that, the souls of vain girls who spent their lives playing and coqueting adorers instead of raising children and running a home. Desperate mothers of reckless daughters brought them to the church towers at night. Wroclaw residents were convinced that after seeing writhing silhouettes repenting, it would be easier for girls to come to terms with the grayness of everyday life.
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