Bridges

Amsterdam, City of Bridges

In the course of time the number of bridges steadily increased. A map, prepared by Cornelis Antonisz in 1544, shows that 16th century Amsterdam had 52 bridges and 6 culverts. Pieter Bast’s map of circa 1600 includes 110 bridges and 10 culverts. As a result of the large-scale urban expansion of the early 17th century this number nearly doubled. When Gerred de Broen prepared his map, circa 1732, the urban expansion projects had been completed. By then there were 297 bridges and 9 culverts.

After the 17th century expansion plans had been realised, the size of the city remained stable until the developments which followed the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century required a new approach. From circa 1860 onwards Amsterdam’s territory was extended beyond the Singelgracht and large residential areas were built to accommodate the needs of the ever increasing population. At that time the city centre underwent far-reaching changes as well. Several canals were filled in, a measure initially motivated by the stench and the atrocious hygiene. At a later stage canals were filled in in order to accommodate the needs of modern traffic and to create adequate thoroughfares which gave access to the newly built parts of the city. As a result many bridges were demolished. In many other cases the steep slopes of the original bridges were levelled to a certain extent in order to allow for the electrical trams to pass.

Even in the 20th century many bridges were demolished, mainly in order to meet the requirements of the ever increasing traffic. Whereas hundreds of historic buildings were considered worth preserving, old bridges met with an entirely different fate. They were ruthlessly demolished and replaced by modern bridges. In our days bridges are treated with the respect they deserve. They are part and parcel of the ring of canals and have become historic sites in their own right. Even though many of the bridges are no longer authentic, they are important features of the urban set-up. The list of historic buildings and sites now includes 72 bridges. Many of them have been placed on the list not because of their great age and authenticity, but because they help to shape the appearance of the Amsterdam city centre.

Historical Development

Wooden Girder Bridges

Not many girder bridges survive today. Many have disappeared, others have changed beyond recognition.

Brick Arched Bridges

The advent of the brick arched bridge coincided with a more conscious approach to urban development. Whereas the wooden girder bridges served practical purposes only, arched bridges were designed to enhance the appearance of the new city which resulted from the 1610 urban expansion plans. Bridges became an integral part of the ring of canals.

It is true to say that brick bridges were also a status symbol. Balthazar Florisz’ 1625 map clearly illustrates the 1610 urban expansion plan including the bridges. All the bridges in the prestigious part of the ring of canals (Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Brouwersgracht) were brick bridges, whereas the Prinsengracht and the Jordaan area had to make do with simpler wooden bridges.

Movable Bridges

Iron and Steel Leaf Bridges

The steep arched bridges were widened and levelled. From circa 1860 onwards, however, they were partly replaced by leaf bridges. Their flat upper sections consisted of iron or steel girders, often flanked by columns and decorated with cast iron consoles. Gradually, the wooden draw bridges were replaced by steel bridges as well.

The traditional appearance of a city of arched bridges was considerably affected by the developments outlined above. The plans were not always supported by the public. The contemporary press printed many disapproving comments and strong pleas to preserve the traditional bridges. In circa 1800 there were 96 wooden and 90 stone bridges left. By 1875 the numbers had decreased to 48 and 68 respectively. The Second World War marked a low point with 3 wooden and 15 original stone bridges. Between 1945 and 1982, however, the protests were taken to heart. Dozens of leaf bridges were replaced by reconstructions of traditional arched bridges, in an attempt to restore the old cityscape to its former glory.

Bridges and the Amsterdam School of Architecture

Piet Kramer (1881-1961) was especially renowned for his contributions the design of Amsterdam bridges according to the insights of the Amsterdam School of Architecture. Between 1917 and 1952 he designed hundreds of leaf bridges characterised by cast iron balustrades and sculptured land abutments. During the economic recession of the 1930s and the Second World War architecture became more austere and insights changed once more.