A bridge with a past. That’s Brug 56, right here in Amsterdam-Centrum. It connects the east side of Keizersgracht with Binnen Brouwersstraat. This bridge spans the Brouwersgracht.
Brug 56 has been a landmark since 1995. It is surrounded by national monuments. This bridge shares its southwest quay wall with Pastoorsbrug.
Centuries ago a bridge stood here. Balthasar Florisz van Berckenrode drew a bridge around 1625. It had five passages at Keysers Graft and Brouwers Graft. Around 1875, photographer Andries Jager captured a high bridge. It had three passages.
In 1910, Amsterdam announced a tender. It was for widening fixed bridge number 56 on both sides. A contractor completed this work for less than 6500 guilders. From February 1, 1911, to May 31, 1911, the bridge was closed. This was for traffic. During this work, the bridge was probably lowered slightly.
An archive drawing suggests inscriptions on the bridge pillars. One read “no. 56” and the other “Ao. 1795”. Jacob Olie captured this in a photo from July 1891. Due to widening, these texts are now hidden. They cannot be seen in the 21st century. The drawing shows how the bridge would look with five passages.
Brug 56 stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s history. It evolved from a simple passage to its current form. It connects not just streets but also eras. As you cross Brug 56, consider the centuries of footsteps. They have shaped this charming part of Amsterdam.