Across the Keizersgracht stands Brug 43 a testament to Amsterdam’s rich history. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a Rijksmonument a national treasure. For centuries a bridge spanned this very spot. Daniel Stalpaert’s 1662 map shows it. Frederik de Wit’s 1688 map confirms it.
But Brug 43’s modern story begins in 1873. The city council decided to lower the bridge. They wanted to accommodate increasing traffic. The Leidsestraat got sidewalks. But that wasn’t enough. In 1880 more plans surfaced. They needed tram switches. The bridge had to be capped. Decision-making was slow. A similar Prinsengracht bridge became difficult to use after changes.
Then in 1889 a strange thing happened. Wooden blocks between the rails shrank in the heat. Cement cracked. Rain soaked the wood. The wood swelled forcing out the blocks. The bridge became impassable. In 1911 a decision for widening was made. Bruggenarchitect Jo van der Mey planned many bridges. The Herengracht and Prinsengracht bridges also needed adjustments. Again delays struck. In 1913 proposals for wider Leidsestraat emerged. Houses were to be demolished. Another idea was to fill in the Leidsegracht. World War I caused material price increases. Hildo Krop designed sculptures for the bridge. Johan Polet’s stonemasons crafted them.
Finally in late 1921 the city started replacing the bridge. Piet Kramer redesigned it. He kept the original cantilevers. Trams still ran on the bridge but single-track. Passing was impossible causing delays. The 1921-1922 winter was harsh. Frost caused delays. The bridge opened mid-1922. Kramer’s style is seen in the balustrades. It’s exceptional ironwork in the Amsterdam School style.
In 1960 traffic stopped again. The slope to the bridge was damaged. A large sandpit appeared becoming a children’s playground. In 1971 the NRC called Leidsestraat traffic dangerous. A general traffic ban was imposed on July 26 1971. Only trams and loading were allowed. Bridge traffic was limited.
In 2001 Brug 43 became a Rijksmonument. It’s surrounded by many others. The bridge has variations of brick and natural stone. Brickwork includes stepped forms both horizontal and vertical. There’s also pine cone brickwork. Above the waterline are natural stone blocks. The bridge wings have four grey granite mythical beasts. The bridge piers are vertically stepped with natural stone cantilevers. Steel girders and ornate wrought iron balustrades complete it.
Brug 43 boasts three openings. The largest is 6.7 meters wide and 1.77 meters high. So next time you cross Brug 43 remember its complex story. It’s more than just a way to cross the Keizersgracht. It’s a piece of Amsterdam’s soul.