Bridges and More Bridges

Herengracht corner Reguliersgracht is the most photographed place in Amsterdam because here are seven humpback bridges crossing the Reguliersgracht in quick succession. Only six arches can be seen because you are standing on the seventh.

The sight is even more spectacular from a canal cruise boat. All tours stop here for a minute to allow you to have a good look and take photos.

These are only seven of the 1300 bridges in Amsterdam. Those in the centre are lit by strings of lights which make a canal boat trip at night a wonderful experience.

Two of my favourite bridges:

Blauwbrug across the Amstel, translates as blue bridge, but is not blue at all. It is the most decorated bridge of Amsterdam. The name Blauwbrug refers to a 17th century wooden bridge painted in blue. The present stone bridge was built in preparation for the World Exhibition in 1883. Amsterdam expected thousands of visitors who all wanted to cross the Amstel river at some time during their stay. The bridge is adorned with stone carvings of boats and fish. The design of the ornate lamps was inspired by Alexandre III bridge in Paris.

Torensluis across Singel is the widest bridge and used as a cafe in summer
The statue dominating the bridge is Multatuli, pseudonym of Eduard Douwes Dekker. This 19th century author exposed exploitation of the natives in the Dutch colonies, now Indonesia, in his book entitled Max Havelaar. Needless to say that Multatuli’s efforts to treat natives more humanely were not appreciated by the colonial authorities.