Golden Gate Bridge
Surely the Golden Gate Bridge is THE symbol that people all over the world associate with San Francisco. The strait that it is built over is also called the Golden Gate; the name itself comes from the name of the strait that separates Europes from Asia, the Golden Horn of Instanbul. The Golden Gate is not the longest bridge to San Francisco- that honor goes to the Bay Bridge, which connects the city to Oakland.
This suspension bridge is approximately 1,280 meters long, and its two towers are 227 meters high. Below, there are 67 meters that allow passing boats enter and leave the Bay. For San Francisco residents, it's an essential means of transportation, and for many, a recreation area: there are always cyclists and people who walk the bridge every day to enjoy its views. For tourists, it is a required visit.
In the 1920's, traffic around the San Francisco Bay grew considerably, so the ferry system at the time was overwhelmed by demand. Construction of the bridge began in 1933, as part of the Works Projects Administration, a part of Franklin Roosevelt's public works programs to boost employment. The engineer overseeing construction of the bridge was Joseph Strauss, the son of German immigrants. The bridge finally opened in May of 1937 and ended up costing 35 million dollars.
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