Natural arches exist around the world as Mother Nature's natural stone artwork, literally bridging the gap between two spaces long before construction crews ever did the same with steel and cables. These natural arches are beautiful, dramatic, and, oftentimes, captivating to the eye as people wonder how they came to be. While not every natural archway is as impressive as the next, there are many around the world that have served as iconic landmarks for centuries.

Here are some of nature's most impressive handiwork in the form of natural bridges that will likely continue to withstand the test of time for years to come.

11 Gemini Bridges In Moab, Utah

Not every natural bridge or archway is safe for visitors to walk across, except for Gemini Bridges. This natural fixture in Moab is only one of several natural archways that hikers can see during their time in the desert, and it's an impressive one, to say the least. The red stone arch is quite a sight, and it's easy to see why it was given the name 'Gemini Bridges' - upon first glance, the bridge looks like it's two rocks that are placed together in perfect symmetry. While visitors are permitted to walk across this bridge, it's not recommended to jump the gap that sits twixt them, as there have been fatalities due to this.

10 Woodpecker Arch In Ramah, New Mexico

What's even more fascinating about these archways are the names behind them, and New Mexico's Woodpecker Arch is no exception. It's even easier to see why this one was named due to its unique - albeit, bizarre - silhouette. The hole of the archway appears to look like a bird that's hanging onto the side of the stone monument to which it is attached. It also defies the laws of physics - or seems to, anyway - due to its narrow, unsteady-looking appearance. However, the archway itself has stood for many years and will likely continue to do so.

Related: This Park Is Home The Nation's Most Spectacular Natural Bridges

9 Landscape Arch In Moab, Utah

Perhaps one of the most recognizable archways in Moab is the Landscape Arch. This archway features near-perfect curvature that gives it the characteristic shape that has driven so many photographers to seek it out and stands as the fifth-largest in the world. It's surmised that this is also the largest natural arch in the U.S., only slightly ahead of the Kolob Arch, also found in Moab. The measurements of this natural archway make it an incredible landmark in regard to its ability to exist high above the ground with only two points connected on either side to red rock cliffs, with only a narrow strip of rock held in between.

8 The Arch Of Cabo San Lucas In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is one of the most recognized in the world thanks to the stunning scenery that surrounds it. Towering over the point where the Playa del Amor and the Playa del Divorcio meet, this arch is known as 'El Arco' by locals. The limestone was carved away by the changing tides below and strong winds above, a tribute to how powerful water can be over the course of centuries. While it's far too dangerous for swimming, it is a popular spot to observe sea lions and has been a well-photographed spot for those on the water or nearby shore.

7 Arco Naturale In Capri, Italy

Capri is already known for its seaside beauty, much of which can be viewed from the cliffs that look over the vast expanse of the sea. However, there's one landmark, in particular, that catches the attention of many and for good reason. Arco Naturale, which translates to 'Natural Arch,' sits nearly 60 feet above the ground on the limestone cliffs that dot Capri's landscape. In order to see this incredible, towering archway, visitors must hike to it on foot, as it's one of the last remaining pieces of the paleolithic grotto which once existed in the same place.

6 La Ventana Arch In Del Norte, Colorado

There were no shifting rocks that created La Ventana arch; rather, it was formed due to a magma intrusion from volcanic activity that occurred in the area roughly 30 million years ago. As the magma cooled, a hole in the rock was formed, creating the archway that can be seen to this day. After a rock scrambling-hike, visitors can get an up-close and personal look at this 40-foot-tall natural archway, which appears to be more like a hole to the middle of nowhere than anything resembling a bridge.

5 Miracle Arch In Saint-Bernard, France

This is the largest natural archway in the Alps, with an incredible measurement of 90 feet. Interestingly enough, this is not the only natural archway in the Chartreuse Mountain range, though - according to Atlas Obscura, more than 70 others were added following the discovery of this one. This arch was named for the dramatic process by which it was created, which includes the conjoining of two separate limestone rocks that precariously make this natural bridge.

Related: The Arch Gateway: History Behind The Massive St. Louis Monument To Lewis And Clark's Expedition

4 Mystery Valley in Kayenta, Arizona

The demanding nature of the landscape in Mystery Valley is the reason it's not nearly as visited as Arizona's other ancient archeological sites. However, among the petroglyphs, rock art, and artifacts that have been left over exist natural archways that can be found at the mouths of the cliff side caves and near ancient dwellings. These arches are classic of the desert landscape but are impressive nonetheless, especially due to the indigenous history surrounding their locations.

3 Shipton's Arch In Kizilsu, China

China is home to the largest natural archway in the world, which was known as 'Hole Mountain' in the native Uyghur language. The archway, interestingly enough, was long forgotten until around 2000 when National Geographic rediscovered it during an expedition through the same mountains. So, although the arch was originally 'discovered' by British Mountaineer Eric Shipton, it was the rediscovery that made it clear just how large this arch is - enough to fit the entirety of New York's Empire State Building beneath it!

2 Yangshuo And Moon Hill In Guilin, China

This archway has been a significant point of interest since the 90s, and overlooks the stunning Karst Mountains that the Yangshuo region is known for. Those who wish to see the arch have two options: either follow the trail to the summit, or follow the trail that goes through the archway. No matter which way one chooses to see it up-close, the views are stunning and the archway itself, breathtaking.

1 Pont d'Arc In Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, France

Based on the tranquil appearance of the river below it, one would never guess that this archway was a result of water that gradually chiseled away to create its rock-less center. Located just before the Ardèche Canyon, home to the world's oldest cave paintings, sits this massive archway the overlooks a popular swimming and boating spot. It's quite impressive no matter which vantage point on sees it from, and it even more significant given the history that awaits on just the other side.