Named after some of the most memorable Dutch queens,
these stately bridges connect the many waterways of Willemstad.
Queen Emma Bridge
Origin—Built in 1888 by Leonard
Burlington Smith, and named after Queen Emma (1890–1898), this bridge
connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts.
Points of interest—16 floating pontoon boats support the
“Pontoon Bridge.” Also known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” it swings open
using two powerful ship motors, allowing ships to access the port. From
1901 to 1934, people had to pay a toll to cross the bridge—with the
exception of pedestrians going barefoot. When the bridge is open to
let ships from the harbour pass, pedestrians are transported free of charge
by the ponchi, a small ferry.
The bridge has recently been restored to its glory. All asphalt was taken
off and replaced by originial wooden boards, the pontoons were repaired or
replaced and at night the "swinging old lady" now swings in
living color with her new lights.
Queen Juliana Bridge
Origin—Named after Queen
Juliana (1948–1980). After almost a decade of construction, the bridge
officially opened on Queen’s Day, (April 30) 1974.
Points of interest—One of the highest bridges in the
world, at 185 feet above the sea level of St. Anna Bay to accommodate the
tanker ships entering the narrow harbour, the Queen Juliana weighs 3,400
tons and has four traffic lanes. The view is breathtaking, and includes the
entire panorama of Punda, Otrobanda, and the Schottegat.
Queen Wilhelmina Bridge
Origin—Named after Queen
Wilhelmina (1890–1945), this bridge was built in 1928 to link the
commercial area of Punda with the old residential neighborhood of Scharloo.
Points of interest—Originally a drawbridge, it was
modified to a fixed structure after the dock in the Waaigat was
destroyed.
