Magere Brug

The history of the Magere Brug, or 'Skinny Bridge,' dates back to 1691 when a very narrow wooden bridge was first constructed across the Amstel River. According to local folklore, the bridge was built by two wealthy sisters, the Mager sisters, who lived on opposite sides of the river and wanted a way to visit each other every day without walking a long distance. However, historical records suggest the name likely refers to the bridge's original design, which was so narrow that it was difficult for two pedestrians to pass each other comfortably. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several transformations to accommodate increasing traffic and the passage of ships. The original structure was replaced in 1871 by a larger wooden bridge, but it remained relatively slender in appearance compared to other river crossings. By the early 20th century, the bridge was in poor condition and faced the threat of being replaced by a modern stone structure. However, public outcry preserved its traditional character, leading to a complete reconstruction in 1934 that maintained the classic Dutch drawbridge aesthetic. Today, the Magere Brug stands as a masterpiece of traditional Dutch engineering and is one of the city's most enduring symbols. Its current form is a double-leaf wooden drawbridge, known as a 'bascule bridge,' which is still operated manually by bridge masters to allow larger canal boats and tour vessels to pass through. In 1969, thousands of light bulbs were added to its frame, making it a spectacular sight at night and reinforcing its reputation as the most romantic spot in Amsterdam.