Think of Amsterdam’s Wallen district and a charming iron footbridge. This is the Sint Jansbrug. It quietly spans the Oudezijds Voorburgwal. The Sint Jansbrug links the Sint Jansstraat and Stoofsteeg. This bridge has a rich history. It has witnessed centuries of Amsterdam’s evolution.
Centuries ago, a bridge stood here. Cornelis Anthonisz’s painted map shows it back in 1538. The bridge’s modern story began in 1832. Amsterdam decided to replace the old wooden bridge. Jan de Greef designed that bridge. He directed the city’s works and buildings.
By 1867, an iron bridge replaced the wooden one. That iron bridge from around 1867 is still here today. It features an iron span with wooden planks. The 19th-century balustrades add character. The metal spans supporting the bridge are quite noticeable.
Photographer Pieter Oosterhuis captured the Sint Jansbrug’s image. He recorded it in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, people considered these bridges unworthy. Many vanished from Amsterdam. However, the Sint Jansbrug survived. It remained a footbridge. It did not require adjustments for increasing traffic.
The Sint Jansbrug got its name from a statue. The statue depicted the apostle John. It was once on a corner building. Another name for this bridge was Bierkaaibrug. The Oudezijds Voorburgwal was called Bierkaai at this location.
In September 2023, the city closed the Sint Jansbrug. Rust had weakened it. There was a risk of collapse. The bridge was removed for renovation. The work includes paint renewal. Also component repair and bridge deck renewal are planned. The extensive damage delayed the bridge’s return until late 2025.
The Sint Jansbrug’s renovation is part of a larger project. Five bridges are included in the project. The Auke Bijlsmabrug, Diamantbewerkersbrug, Melkmeisjesbrug, and Brug 130 are also renovated. The latter three have monument status.
When the Sint Jansbrug was elsewhere being repaired, the bridgeheads suffered damage. The Sint Jansbrug stands in Amsterdam’s oldest area. The Blaauwlakenblok dates back to the 13th century. The Sint Jansstraat Collectief promotes the street’s activities.
Johannes de Doper, or John the Baptist, is the namesake of the bridge. He was a Jewish prophet. He lived around the year 30. Sint-Jansvuren, or St. John’s fires, once protected livestock. These fires were part of festivities. They had little to do with religion. The fires cleansed and chased away evil spirits. Jumping through the flames averted misfortune. Livestock passed through the fire. Amsterdam’s Wallen area had monasteries. They kept their own livestock. This likely explains the names Sint Jansbrug and Sint Jansstraat. It also explains the statue of Saint John.