Brug der Keizerlijke Geneugten, Historic bridge in Prinsenhof district, Ghent, Belgium
The Bridge of Imperial Pleasures is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge crossing the Lieve river, marked by stone sculptures at each end. These sculptures feature crown-shaped forms made from French natural stone and link the Zilverhof community center to Sint-Antoniuskaai.
The bridge was built in 2000 as part of urban development in Ghent and features sculptures created by artist Walter De Buck. The works draw on figures and stories connected to Emperor Charles V from centuries earlier.
The four stone figures on the bridge represent characters from local Ghent stories and legends that residents have passed down. These statues sit in public space and show how the city weaves its past and local identity into everyday life.
The crossing is easy to use on foot and by bicycle and offers views of the Rabot fortress and the Augustine Monastery. The most convenient access is from the nearby Zilverhof community center.
Local residents have given the bridge nicknames like 'cauliflower bridge' or 'ice cream bridge' because of the unusual shape of the crown sculptures. These informal names show how residents have embraced this artwork as part of their daily surroundings.
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