Having a language class this term, which is by far the most difficult course for me, held in some old building in Livii, I have to go under (for a brief encounter with) two bridges at least twice a week to attend classes. Conveniently called Angel’s and Devil’s Bridge, the names suggest not a case of yin and yang but rather more of a Grey and Yang thing – they complement each other in a lot of ways, historically, both are practically useful in navigating around Toomemägi.
Kuradisild (Devil’s Bridge). The present structure preceded by two earlier ones was built around the same time the Angel’s Bridge’s renovation in 1913, in commemoration of the Romanov Dynasty’s anniversary and devoted to the memory of Alexander I. Its name was derived from a surgeon named Manteuffel who headed the bridge’s building (Teufel being the German term for devil), with its rather dark and dull color, standing firm and true to its name. Though, others claim that the name came to be in contrast with the other bridge opposite it – the Angel’s Bridge.
Inglisild (Angel’s Bridge). Most likely a case of confusion and error in translation, Angel’s Bridge derived its name from inglise/English (?) as Toomamäe Park was built in English style. Built in 1836 as a replacement of the wooden version established in 1814, the bridge heavily served to connect astronomy students to their haven, the Observatory, during that time. A century after the erection of the og wooden version, the bridge underwent another renovation employing the works of Georg Friedrich Parrot for its current design.
Legends have it that walking across the Angel’s Bridge with eyes closed and held breath grants a wish. Have I known earlier, I should have rather asked to ease my French class troubles, the first time I crossed it.
