Luzhkov Bridge

The Luzhkov Bridge is situated in Moscow, the Russian capital. Numerous trees there support hundreds of love locks that have been hung there by visitors from throughout the world. The locks represent a couple's lifelong love and dedication to one another. Married couples sign their names on padlocks, most of which are heart-shaped, and hang them from one of the numerous metal tree frames that line the Luzhkov Bridge. Many couples walk to the bridge to commemorate their union; brides have even been spotted praying and hanging love locks while wearing their wedding dresses.

There is a custom that states that in order to dissolve a marriage, one of the parties who hung the lock in the first place must plunge into the icy, dirty waters of the Moscow River and collect their key. Initial plans called for hanging the padlocks on the bridge itself, but this was subsequently amended, and metallic trees were added to the bridge to entice more people to hang their love locks.

Because Russians place a high emphasis on fairy tales and folklore, they were drawn to the notion of placing love locks on the bridge to symbolize their committed relationship. In particular, the thought of finding a key among thousands to break up the relationship appealed to them. The divorce rate in the area ultimately decreased as this custom became more widespread. If there is no room on the bridge, you may still hang your lock on one of the many metal trees that have been installed along 10 different Moscow streets. Hundreds or maybe thousands of padlocks, both old and new, are hung from each tree.

Location: Moscow, Rusia