If there is one thing that characterizes Amsterdam, it is its bridges and canals. Throughout the city, there are numerous passages over the water, which not only facilitate the transit of pedestrians, but also allow the passage of boats and barges. The most famous of them all is the Magere Brug Bridge, and today we are going to discover it.
The geography of the Netherlands is peculiar, as its name indicates, more than half of the territory is below sea level, making it vulnerable to floods and rising rivers.
In Amsterdam, this difficulty led to the creation of an immense system of canals and bridges, with the aim of making this place a walkable space, leaving behind the continuous threat of water.
Today, this Dutch metropolis has more than a thousand bridges, linking the various parts of the city and making it one of the most interconnected cities in the region. The Magere Brug rises over the river Amstel, and being a bascule bridge, it is divided into two sections, which rise to allow the passage of the many boats that travel the canals.
At first glance, the Magere Brug appears to be older than it really is, since it was built according to the classic Dutch architectural design.It also inherited the name of one of the first bridges over the Amstel, which was narrow and difficult to cross. In fact, it is said that the first bridge was so thin that pedestrians had great difficulty crossing it.
This bridge, the original Magere Brug, had to be rebuilt several times, as constant use, time and weather conditions deteriorated it. The most recent renovation occurred in 1934, when the old bridge was so worn out that it was in danger of collapsing.
At the time, the new Magere Brug was planned to achieve two objectives. The first was to fulfill its road purpose, while the other was to respect the original model, and instead of building a completely industrial bridge, it was built with a traditional appearance.
Therefore, the bridge sports a simple white color, very austere but also elegant. However, this passageway was modernized, at least in its lifting mechanism, which is now automatic and previously had to be driven by guards who watched over the passage of ships.
Since then, the Magere Brug has become one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city. People and bicycles pass over it, which are the main means of transportation in Amsterdam.
If you are passing through Amsterdam, you have to visit the Magere Brug, and enjoy the views it offers of the city skyline. Please note that this passageway is only open to pedestrians and cyclists, as passage for vehicles is restricted.
Likewise, the Magere Brug Bridge is a public space, and admission is free. Being located in the center of Amsterdam you are very close to other places of interest, like Dam Square and the Nieuwe Kerk.
In addition, the best time to visit is during the Christmas season, when the passageway is filled with lights and the atmosphere of the metropolis is much more lively, dynamic and active.
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