Augustijnenbrug, Arch bridge in central Bruges, Belgium
Augustijnenbrug is an arch bridge spanning the Augustijnenrei canal with three arches built from Tournai limestone and slate voussoirs. It connects Spanjaardstraat to Hoedenmakersstraat in the city center and shapes the appearance of this historic waterway.
Master mason Jan van Oudenaerde completed this medieval bridge in 1391 as a vital link to the Augustinian monastery. The three-arch stone structure was built during Bruges' peak as a trading center.
Stone benches lining the railings invite visitors to watch the canals that define Bruges. From here you can see how the city has organized itself around these waterways.
The bridge is easily accessible on foot from the surrounding streets, and the Brugge Gouden Handstraat bus stop is nearby in the city center. Staircases and paths allow you to navigate the bridge and reach water level if you wish.
Two staircases added in 1396 descend directly to water level, revealing how medieval inhabitants planned their city. These water access points were built into the structure to make daily canal use easier.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
