The Magere Brug is a double drawbridge in Amsterdam-Center over the river Amstel.
When the Amsterdam took off in the Golden Age, a monumental wide bridge (of stone) was planned on this spot during the fourth city expansion of 1663. This would connect the Kerkstraat (which had the function of transit street) with the other bank of the Amstel. The disastrous year 1672, however, threw a spanner in the works, and caused a major economic recoil. As a result, the demand for building land fell sharply. The other side of the Amstel (Nieuwe Herengracht, Nieuwe Keizersgracht, Nieuwe Prinsengracht) remained virtually undeveloped for a long time. A bridge was therefore redundant. When there was some construction later in the late 17th century, it was decided to build a bridge, but much cheaper (made of wood instead of stone) and narrower (skinnier). From this the name "Magere Brug" originated.
As a child, there was already a predilection for visual art. As a technician, I was always creative in products, services and working methods. In later years, more time was taken for my art (photography) passion... Read more…