It's the Blue Bridge over the Amstel River that isn't blue anymore. It was named after the old wooden bridge that it replaced back in 1883. The only blue that you see today are in the lamps and in the Austrian Imperial Crowns along the bridge. The current stone bridge is very reminiscent of ones seen over the Seine River in Paris. Only this one is adorned with ship bows, waves, and mythical faces.
There are very nice views when crossing over it. One that even inspired Rembrandt to capture it from the middle of the bridge. His famous brown-ink drawing called the "View of the Amstel from the Blauwbrug" shows a more open and expansive river back in 1645. That was prior to any other bridges built after it. Today, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) can be seen in the distance on the Amstel. James Bond fans may recall that there was a scene in "Diamonds are Forever" that was filmed on this part of the river as well as the white wooden drawbridge. The northside view is just as nice with the Opera House and cityscape. What could be better? I think a boat tour would provide the best views of the river, canals, and bridges. It's something that we'll definitely do the next time we're in Amsterdam. What a cool destination! read more