In a scene from the 1971 James Bond Movie, Diamonds are Forever, shocked bystanders are watching how the body of an old lady is being pulled from one of the canals in Amsterdam. The location: Skinny Bridge or the Magere Brug.
I was curious to find out why the bridge is called “Skinny Bridge”. It is an unusual name for a bridge.
The reason why it is called “Skinny Bridge” is because it was so narrow. Two people had a difficult time to pass each other. Like all good stories there is also a legend tied to this bridge. Legend has it that two very skinny sisters lived on each side of the canal. They had the bridge built to make it easier to visit each other. There must be some truth in the story.
The bridge was originally built in 1691 and over the years traffic increased and in 1871 a wider bridge replaced the narrow one. It underwent repairs again years later and the current bridge was built in 1934. It only allows for pedestrians and cyclists and opens several times a day to let boats pass through.
It is very popular amongst lovers and photographers, especially at night when lights transforms the bridge into a beautiful illuminated attraction. It is in fact one of the most famous landmarks in Amsterdam.
Address: Kerkstraat, Amstel River,Amsterdam
Wow! The Skinny Bridge! Again, you have educated me in something I never knew existed.
Blessings, Nelieta!
Thank you so much Martha! Believe me I always learn something new too 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Wow… that is beautiful and such a fabulous capture; I understand why it is a favorite.
Thank you Amy, it is really beautiful at night. I cannot take credit for this capture it is borrowed from another travel Blogger who kindly made it available for all to share.
It’s been a while since I’ve visited your world, and now I’m reminded how much I always learn when I come here. The legend of the Skinny Bridge is fascinating! I love that it – the bridge – has continued to exist in several incarnations, same location, same basic structure. It allows us to bring history forward with us. Lovely post!
– Dawn
Hi Dawn, nice to see you again! I haven`t been over at your blog for a long time…I need to catch up! I am glad you enjoyed the story of the skinny bridge. So true, the bridge has been through so many changes yet it is still there. Maybe not so skinny anymore but with a lot of history and stories to tell 🙂 Thanks for the visit!