photo I took during our visit last Sunday June 28, 2009.

The bridge's construction was financed by Regensburg's merchants and began in 1136. In 1142, its patronage transferred from the Duke of Bavaria to the King (or Emperor) of Germany. His successors from the Babenberg dynasty, Duke Leopold IV(1139-41) and Duke Heinrich Jasomirgott(1143-56), continued to support the bridge-building project.

It is also an accepted fact that King Konrad III influenced the continuing construction. And last but not least, the residents of Regensburg, foremostly the merchants, were highly interested in the new traffic connection and certainly contributed to its costs. Later, the Free Imperial City of Regensburg was registered as the owner of the bridge, and this is perhaps a indication of the large share held by the residents in its construction. read more here.