De Smet de Naeyerbruggen, Railway bridge complex in Ostend, Belgium.
De Smet de Naeyerbruggen is a railway bridge complex in Ostend that crosses over tracks, an old drainage waterway toward Bruges, and features a drawbridge at the Demey sea lock. The fixed bascule section closed to vehicles in 2002 and now serves as a parking area.
The bridge rose between 1903 and 1905 under King Leopold II's reign and was designed by architect Alban Chambon to strengthen Ostend's port infrastructure. Its construction marked an important step in developing the city's role as a major European harbor.
The sculptures that once adorned this bridge held a special place in the hearts of local residents and shaped how people talked about the crossing. The bare-breasted figures inspired locals to give it a nickname that reflected these distinctive artworks.
The parking section is easily reached and provides a practical spot for visitors needing to park near the harbor area. The Demey sea lock and the railway line serve as clear reference points to locate this complex within the coastal zone.
German forces occupying the city during World War I removed the bronze sculptures and lion ornaments to melt them down for military equipment production. Few visitors today realize that much of the artistic detail once graced this crossing but was lost to wartime metal collection efforts.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
