“Pesthuis…” A shiver might have run down your spine hearing that word near the Pesthuysbrug. That’s right. This bridge carries a name soaked in history. But not a pleasant one.
The Pesthuysbrug before you now stands strong in Amsterdam Oud-West. It links the Bilderdijkstraat and the Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat. The bridge gracefully spans the Jacob van Lennepkanaal. Take note of how the canal lacks a quay on the southwestern side due to the presence of the former Wilhelmina Gasthuis.
Let’s talk history. The name “Pesthuysbrug” comes from the Pesthuis. The Pesthuis once stood on grounds now occupied by the Wilhelmina Gasthuis. Imagine the stories those grounds could tell if they could talk.
Interestingly, the first bridge here was quite different. In 1891, they built a relatively heavy double bascule bridge. This was necessary to accommodate the tram. The construction cost 50000 guilders. By the late summer of 1892, it was complete.
The bridge needed strengthening in 1901 and 1902. This was for the electric tram. Back then, the Jacob van Lennepkanaal served as a vital route. It transported goods to the Marnixstraat’s vegetable market.
Things changed in 1932. The vegetable market moved to the new Centrale Markthallen. The Jan van Galenstraat became the new route for trucks. This made the bascule bridge obsolete.
A new bridge became necessary. It would create a better traffic connection between Oud-West and Oud-Zuid. A wider bridge was needed. The design from 1938 came from the Public Works department. Piet Kramer played a big role in the architectural design.
Compared to Kramer’s other bridges, the Pesthuysbrug has a simpler design. It does feature the Amsterdam School style. This is evident through the use of brick and natural stone. But it lacks the typical bridge houses, sculptures, and ornate iron railings. However, the year of completion is carved into the granite. A subtle nod to its history.
Notably, during the construction of the first bridge, the Bilderdijkstraat was sometimes called Ceintuurbaan. Also around the same time, several other bridges were replaced. These included bridge 140, bridge 145, bridge 178, bridge 179, and of course, this one, bridge 181.
Now as you stand on the Pesthuysbrug, think about its past. From a vital transport route to a simple connection. This bridge has witnessed many changes. It remains a piece of Amsterdam’s history. It silently connects people and places. A testament to the city’s ever-evolving story.