Grites Bridge

Grites' bridge is one of the most iconic buildings in the continent of Teria, and perhaps the most important monument of the wesdalandian capital. It is a testament to human ingenuity and is also the first stone bridge in the kingdom, as well as the first bridge built by Wesdalandian architects, a source of added national pride. The most striking feature of this bridge is that it's lined with houses, making it more of a floating street than a bridge itself; it's a neighborhood within the city. There you'll find goldsmiths, silk sellers, dressmakers, booksellers, alchemists, and even temples and small palaces!. A true wonder to behold!.  

Origins and early project

A first wooden bridge stood on the site of the modern bridge. It was ordered to be built by Mithradates I of Wesdaland shortly after he proclaimed himself King and established his capital and court in the city. From that moment on, this bridge became the beginning of the so-called Kingsroad, linking the capital with the duchies and counties in the center and west of the Kingdom. This first bridge was designed by military engineers from Blati and hired by the king himself. However, in 695, a flood of the River Bontien destroyed the bridge.   Thoryn II ordered the construction of a new bridge, this time of stone, soon two Wesdalandian engineers, Aymeric of Whitecastle and Jehan Defield presented a novel project to the king. This project was approved by the king and its construction began in 696 AP, being finally completed in 707 AP. The new building had 20 pointed arches and was 300 meters wide, becoming one of the largest bridges in the world.   Soon, according to the customs of the time, houses were built on it and it was soon filled with shops and homes, some up to four stories high, all made of wood. Nearly two hundred businesses lined both sides of the narrow street into which the bridge had been transformed.

A floating street

The bridge is a true neighbourhood; It even has its own governor, the Bridgemaster. Today, it is the main entry route to the southeast of the capital. Anyone carrying goods across the bridge must pay a small "toll," part of which goes to its maintenance and part to the royal coffers.   The area is famous for its shoemakers and tailors, although you can also find goldsmiths and jewelers. In the middle of the bridge, a building added in 771 is the Bridge Chapel, dedicated to Yemu as the master of the seven magical techniques. This famous monument, perhaps its most notable, octagonal in shape, was built by Duke Johan III "The Good" of Cragrade, and where he was buried in the funerary chapel he himself ordered to be built. It is here that sacred rituals and religious festivals of the neighborhood are held. During these occasions, the bridge and the houses built on it are decorated with garlands and pennants, giving the area a festive and colorful appearance.   Despite multiple reconstructions due to the great danger to the bridge's inhabitants from fires, since, except for the chapel, the rest of the buildings are made of wood, the bridge's inhabitants have developed a certain pride and idiosyncrasy. They are known in the city for their cheerful nature and for being astute sellers and hagglers; although most of the nobility and merchants in the center of the capital look down on them, considering them poor and inciting crime (there is a belief that most of the thieves, both adults and children, come from the bridge and the surrounding neighborhoods).   So if you decide to travel to the capital of Wesdaland, do not hesitate to visit the bridge and its shops, and especially make an offering in the chapel for your return trip and so that the magic of the great sage Yemu protects you, and if your trip coincides with a holiday do not hesitate, join the party with the locals, you will not regret it, they are very cheerful and hospitable, since everyone knows each other on the bridge and everyone tends to help each other in times of need. Oh, and don't forget to try the delicious beer and mead served at the two taverns on the bridge!