Krämerbrücke, Erfurt, Germany Stock Photography

The Krämerbrücke or Merchants` bridge is a medieval arch bridge in the Thuringian city of Erfurt, which is lined with half-timbered shops and houses on both sides of a cobblestone street. It is one of the few remaining bridges in the world that have inhabited buildings. It has been continuously inhabited for over 500 years, longer than any other bridge in Europe. The stone, pedestrian bridge, which dates from 1325, is one of the oldest secular structures in Erfurt and spans the Breitstrom, a branch of Gera River. It connects two town squares – Benediktsplatz and Wenigemarkt.