Franc Trček
University of Ljubljana
Slovenia
The Hradecki Bridge/Morgue Bridge: the cast iron bridge that changes its location
The Hradecki Bridge (later dubbed the Morgue Bridge) is considered one of the greatest
examples of the Slovenian industrial heritage. It is a cast iron bridge dating from the second
half of the 19th century. The plan for the bridge was drawn in 1866 by Johann Hermann
from Vienna and it was manufactured by the Auersperg Ironworks at Dvor pri Žužemberku.
It is the only bridge in Slovenia that has twice changed its location since it was made.
Originally located in central Ljubljana, it was opened on October 18, 1867. When in 1931
the architect Jože Plečnik redesigned the town center and several new bridges were
constructed, the Hradecki Bridge was replaced by a new concrete bridge and moved to the
new location next to the Ljubljana morgue, which gave it its popular name. The heavy traffic
took its toll, so towards the end of the 20th century it was in need of renovation. In 2004 it
was closed for motor vehicles and in February 2010 removed for inspection, renovated and
protected with the anti-corrosive coating. In March 2011 it was reopened for pedestrians
and cyclists at a new, third location and given its original name again – The Hradecki Bridge.
In this paper I analyze the media coverage of the latest relocation of the bridge and present
the findings of the survey that sought to assess how much the contemporary users of the
bridge are aware of its importance. The survey showed that the bridge still awaits public
recognition as one of the greatest examples of the Slovenian industrial heritage and the
greatest achievement of the Auersperg Ironworks. The lack of knowledge about its
importance indicates that Slovenian industrial heritage does not receive the attention that it
deserves. P.S. Due to the political turmoil in Slovenia and cut of the funding for the
conference visits in this year I had to buy a ticket in advance.
I will kindly ask you not to put my paper on the last day of the conference because I will
have to fly back home. Thank you for understanding