The first Aspern Bridge was built in 1863 as an extension of the newly built Ringstraße in Vienna. It was named after the place of the victorious battle of Austrian troops against the French. The bridge was opened on November 30, 1864 by Emperor Franz Josef I. For decoration, allegorical figures by the artist Franz Melnitzky were erected on the pillars of the chain anchors. Stone lions were placed in front of these figures. Since the bridge for the increased traffic was too narrow, it was demolished in 1913 and a new bridge opened in 1919. Two of these lions are now in the town of Horn in front of the entrance to the castle.
![](https://www.noe-3d.at/SF/horn_loewe02.jpg)