Rakotzbrücke Devil's Bridge basalt arch, Kromlau Saxony Germany

A cursed bridge?

Dozens of stone arch bridges across Europe are known as the "Devil's Bridge," often reputedly carrying a curse for those who cross. This one, the Rakotzbrücke in Gablenz, Germany, was built in the 19th century. While you may not be bewitched by demons for hoofing across, local police will likely hex you with a fine as the fragile bridge is legally off-limits.Even sceptics may be spurred to superstition by a stone span supported by seemingly nothing. How do they build these things anyway? It all begins with arched wooden falsework upon which stones are fitted in rows. Once the keystone at the centre has been snugly placed, the falsework is removed and the span's weight is transferred onto it, with the keystone holding the whole structure steady via gravity and friction. It's not black magic, just a clever use of physics!