The Spreuer Bridge, built in 1408, is Lucerne's oldest original bridge and houses unique artwork. It contains 67 Dance of Death paintings by Kaspar Meglinger, painted between 1626 and 1635, depicting Death accompanying people from all walks of life. These paintings were inspired by the plague epidemics that struck the city. The bridge was the only place where chaff and straw could be thrown into the river, hence its name.