Molenbrug

Can a bridge dance? In Amsterdam, they might! We’re standing before the Molenbrug, and while it might not waltz or tango, its history is certainly lively. Molenbrug is one of Amsterdam’s 1281 bridges, a number four times greater than Venice’s. This fact alone speaks volumes about Amsterdam’s intricate relationship with water. The city, originally called Amstelredam, was founded on a dam built to tame the Amstel River. This innovative spirit continues today, as seen in the 2500 houseboats dotting the canals. Amsterdam, built on eleven million wooden poles, sits below sea level, demonstrating its resourceful approach to challenging conditions. Even the iconic Central Railway Station rests on nearly 9000 of these submerged supports. Back to the Molenbrug. This bridge plays a vital role in the city’s canal system, which totals over 100 kilometers, longer than even Venice’s famed waterways. These canals are more than just picturesque; they were, and still are, vital arteries of transport. While we admire the Molenbrug, imagine the countless boats that have passed beneath it, carrying goods and people throughout Amsterdam’s history. Perhaps some of those boats were headed to the world’s only floating flower market, a vibrant splash of color on the water. As you cross the Molenbrug, consider the ingenuity and resilience of Amsterdam, a city that has danced with the water for centuries.