The Teufelsbrücke is a bridge in the Schöllenen Gorge over the Reuss River in the Swiss canton of Uri providing access between Airolo and Göschenen via the St. Gotthard Pass.It is named for an old local legend regarding its construction by the Devil, one of many old European Devil's Bridges with similar creation myths.First bridgeThe Schöllenen Gorge is an important access route to the St. Gotthard Pass. However, the valley is very narrow and the river Reuss a seasonal torrent. A wooden bridge was built across the river in 1230, which had to be replaced often owing to weather damage. There is no record of many times.In the 16th century, the bridge was rebuilt in cut stone, referred to today as the "first bridge". In 1799, it was the site of one of the most dramatic battles of Suvorov's Italian and Swiss expedition during the Napoleonic Wars. The bridge was heavily damaged by the retreating French army. As a result, the route's trade with Italy shifted to the Splügenpass.This bridge was completely destroyed during a storm in 1888, long after it had been replaced.Second bridgeWork on replacement cut stone bridge began in 1820. Construction of this one-lane "second bridge" took 10 years, and was the subject of a famous painting by Karl Blechen in 1830-32.