Regentessebrug

Regentessebrug, the Bridge of Lions

The Regentessebrug, built in 1898, spans the Wijnhaven quay in Rotterdam. It was designed by the city architect D.B. Logemann and is a fixed bridge that replaced an old wooden drawbridge. In 1898, after a close vote, the city council decided to move forward with the plan to build a permanent bridge over the Wijnhaven.

Before the new bridge was built, the city’s inner harbors were full of ships moving goods, and this area was bustling with people working in the buildings and along the quays. However, local businesses didn’t like the idea of a fixed bridge. They believed the city cared more about cars and trucks than about ships, which were vital for trade. This sparked a lot of debate.

A design inspired by Paris

The design of the Regentessebrug was inspired by the famous 19th-century bridges in Paris, such as the Pont Alexandre III, which was very popular at the time. Rotterdam didn’t have a similar bridge, so the city wanted to create something special. It is made of granite and cast iron, while the submerged parts are made of sandstone and basalt, giving it a very solid structure. Its total length is 34.2 meters, and it stands out for its beautiful design.

On the bridge’s pillars, there are four large lampposts in the center and four sculpted lions on the corners. The pillars resemble ship prows, with three fish sculptures on each side. The copper lampposts, richly decorated, were only made possible through public fundraising. Initially, only the lions were part of the plan, as the city couldn’t afford all the embellishments. A local newspaper launched a fundraising campaign, and the people of Rotterdam raised the money needed to complete the bridge as we see it today.

Lamp post at the bridge — One of the lanterns adorning the Regentessebrug

A royal and historic symbol

Each lion stands 1.9 meters tall and weighs 250 kilograms, and they were created by artist Simon Miedema. The Regentessebrug was officially inaugurated in 1899 by Queen Regent Emma and her daughter Queen Wilhelmina, and it was named in Emma’s honor.

The lions bear the coats of arms of the Netherlands and Waldeck-Pyrmont, the royal family’s heritage. A golden bronze letter “E”, representing Emma, is also found on both sides of the central arch.

The Regentessebrug is also known as the Vierleeuwenbrug, or Bridge of the Four Lions. It is one of the few structures that survived the bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. While the surrounding area was destroyed during the war, the bridge remained standing.

In 1973, it was declared a National Monument, and today, it stands as a valuable symbol of Rotterdam’s history and resilience.

Watch a video with photos from this bridge, (English with Spanish subtitles).

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