{{Infobox bridge |bridge_name = Phitthaya Sathian Bridge |native_name = {{nobold|สะพานพิทยเสถียร}} |image = Chai Phatthanasilp ชัยพัฒนศิลป์ 01.jpg |caption = Phitthaya Sathian Bridge and the Chai Phatthanasilp Building as seen from [[Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem]] |official_name = Phitthaya Sathian Bridge |also_known_as =Saphan Lek Lang (''Lower Steel Bridge'') |carries =[[Charoen Krung Road]] |crosses = [[Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem]] |locale = [[Samphanthawong]] and [[Bang Rak]] Districts, [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]] |maint = [[Bangkok Metropolitan Administration]] (BMA) |design = [[Venetian Gothic architecture|Venetian Gothic]] |mainspan = |length = |width = | material = | architect = |clearance = |below = |traffic = |open = |closed = |toll = |map_cue = |map_image = |map_text = |map_width = |coordinates = {{coord|13|43|54.66|N|100|30|54.66|E|type:adm3rd_region:TH-10|display=inline,title}} |lat = |long = }} '''Phitthaya Sathian Bridge''' ({{langx|th|สะพานพิทยเสถียร}}, {{RTGS|''Saphan Phitthayasatthian''}}, {{IPA|th|sa.pʰāːn pʰít.thá.já.sà.tʰîan|pron}}) is a historic bridge in Bangkok. It is considered another of the city's notable steel bridges, alongside the [[Damrong Sathit Bridge]], which is popularly known as ''[[Saphan Lek]]'' and located in the [[Khlong Thom, Bangkok|Khlong Thom]] area. Phitthaya Sathian Bridge spans [[Charoen Krung Road]] over [[Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem]], marking the boundary between [[Talat Noi]] sub-district of [[Samphanthawong District]] and [[Maha Phruettharam]] and [[Bang Rak subdistrict|Bang Rak sub-district]]s of [[Bang Rak District]].<ref name=nam>{{cite web|url=http://www.thapra.lib.su.ac.th/ratanagosin/bridge-pitta.htm|title=สะพานพิทยเสถียร|work=Rattanakosin Island Information Center|accessdate=2018-04-13|language=thai}}</ref>
The original structure, built during the reign of King [[Mongkut]] (Rama IV), was made of steel and could be separated in the middle to allow boats to pass, functioning similarly to a [[lifting bridge]]. This design gave rise to its nickname "Saphan Lek" ({{lit|steel bridge}}). It was commonly referred to as "Saphan Lek Lang" (สะพานเหล็กล่าง, {{IPA|th|sa.pʰāːn lɛ̀k lâːŋ|}}, {{lit|Lower Steel Bridge}}), while Damrong Sathit Bridge was known as "Saphan Lek Bon" (สะพานเหล็กบน, {{IPA|th|sa.pʰāːn lɛ̀k bon|}}), {{lit|Upper Steel Bridge}}).{{efn|1=Because it is located near the beginning of the road.}}
Later, during the reign of King [[Chulalongkorn]] (Rama V), the bridge was restored in 1899 and completed in 1900. At that time, it was given the official name "Phitthaya Sathian" in honour of Prince Sonabandit, who owned the nearby Wang Talat Noi palace.<ref name=San/><ref name=nam/> [[file:สะพานพิทยเสถียร at night 02.jpg|thumb|left|One of the lion head sculptures]] Under King [[Vajiravudh]] (Rama VI), the bridge was restored again. It remains in that condition today. The structure is made of reinforced concrete and showcases beautiful [[Venetian Gothic architecture]]. Its lower beam is gracefully curved. The bridge features exquisite decorative elements, especially the [[balustrade]]s, all eight [[lamppost]]s, and the lion head sculptures at both ends.
Since 1975, Phitthaya Sathian Bridge, along with Damrong Sathit Bridge, has been officially recognized as a [[ancient monument (Thailand)|historic monument]] by the [[Fine Arts Department]].<ref name=San>{{cite web|url=https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9600000070884|work=[[Manager Daily]]|language=thai|accessdate=2018-04-13|date=2017-07-12|title=รู้ยังอยู่ไหนบ้าง! ๑๗ สะพานสวยงามสร้างสมัย ร.๔ ร.๕ ร.๖ ขึ้นทะเบียนเป็นโบราณสถาน ยังใช้อยู่ในปัจจุบัน!!}}</ref><ref name=nam/>
==Footnotes== {{notelist}} ==See also== *[[Damrong Sathit Bridge]]
==References== {{reflist}} {{Commons category|Saphan Phitthaya Sathian|Phitthaya Sathian Bridge}} {{Bang Rak District}} [[Category:Samphanthawong district]] [[Category:Bang Rak district]] [[Category:Bridges in Bangkok]] [[Category:Registered ancient monuments in Bangkok]]