the chain bridge is one of the most well known landmark of Budapest.
At the time of its construction, it counted as a wonder of the world.
It had an enormous significance in the country's economics and life.
Its decorations made of cast iron, and its construction, radiating calm dignity and balance,
raised it among the most beautiful industrial monuments in Europe.

The bridge was designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark in 1839,
after Count István Széchenyi's initiative in the same year,
with construction supervised locally by Scottish engineer Adam Clark (no relation).
It is a larger scale version of William Tierney Clark's earlier Marlow Bridge,
across the River Thames in Marlow, England.

The bridge was opened in 1849, and thus became the first permanent bridge in Budapest.
At the time, its center span of 202 m was one of the largest in the world.
The pairs of lions at each of the abutments were added in 1852.
The bridge was given its current name in 1898.

The bridge's steel structure was totally updated and strengthened in 1914.
In World War II, the bridge was damaged, and it needed to be rebuilt.
The rebuilding was completed in 1949.