Centralbron from Riddarholmsbron

Riddarholmsbron (The Knights Islet Bridge) is a road bridge in Gamla stan, the old town of central Stockholm, connecting Riddarhustorget on Stadsholmen to the neighbouring island of Riddarholmen across the Riddarholmskanalen. The site has hosted a succession of bridges since at least the early 17th century, when Councillor Åke Tott was granted permission to construct a wooden drawbridge to his estate on Riddarholmen in 1630. In 1784, a stone bridge designed by architect Erik Palmstedt replaced it, commemorating King Gustav III's return from Italy. This elegant stone structure was demolished in 1867 to accommodate a new railway line, and a cast-iron bridge took its place. The increasing demands of post-war automobile traffic prompted yet another rebuilding, and the present reinforced concrete bridge, designed by architect Gunnar Lené, was completed in 1958. A salvaged stone vault from Palmstedt's original bridge was preserved and relocated to the gardens of Stockholm City Hall, where it is known as Palmstedts grotta (Cave of Palmstedt).