Architecture Rotterdam #3: Willemsbrug (Red Bridge)
The Skyline of Rotterdam
Anyone who visited Rotterdam, knows that its bridges have an important place among the city's skyline and architecture. The Erasmus Bridge and De Hef might be more famous, but the Willemsbrug definitely deserves some attention of its own.
Maasstad
Rotterdam, also known as the Maasstad (Maas-city), has the river Maas at its very heart. Making the city's bridges (and tunnels) key aspect in infrastructure and transport. The Willemsbrug connects the north part of Rotterdam to Noordereiland, a tiny island in the middle of the Maas, which has my home on it. From there, another bridge connects the island to the south part of Rotterdam. Anyone traveling between north and south directly, mostly uses the Erasmus bridge.
The Willemsbrug crosses de Maas with a span of about 318 meters, and is painted bright red. It has been thoroughly renovated this year, and its red colour is now even flashier than before.
Willem
This present Willemsbrug was ready for use in 1981, replacing the former Willemsbrug which had been built in 1878 and was named after King Willem III. The Willemsbrug we use now was officially opened by who was then our prince, now our king Willem-Alexander. Well and his mom, former Queen Beatrix.
Apparently, opening the Willemsbrug was the very first official act that the former prince was part of! He was 14 years old. Last week we celebrated his 51st birthday, but I must say his looks haven't changed much at all.
Contrast
Rotterdam has a lot of 80's style architecture. Nice to put in contrast to elements from other times. I was walking around in the Oude Haven, or Old Harbour, and looked back at the Willemsbrug. The boats and the bridge are definitely a funny combination.
If you enjoyed this post, have a look at earlier articles in this series:
- The Red Apple, or
- Rotterdam's famous Cube Houses
All content is created by me, and Steemit original.
Camera used: Canon G7X
What a gorgeous bridge! I love me some architects/engineers.
I cross it every day. It's great! :)
Nice article.
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