Augustijnen Bridge

The Augustijnenbrug separates the Augustijnen- from the Gouden Handrei and connects the Spanjaardstraat with the Hoedenmakersstraat.

The name comes from the Augustinian Fathers who settled in the second half of the thirteenth century on the block between Jan Mirael-, Schrijvers-, Hoedenmakersstraat and Augustijnenrei.
They reached the city center via the nearby Vlamingbrug.
In 1294 the Augustinians of the city were given permission to build a bridge over the rei right in front of their monastery. They must do this at their own expense and provided that the city authorities can have the bridge removed at any time if circumstances require.

The current bridge dates from 1391 and was built by the Bruges master mason Jan van Oudenaerde († 1412). In 1396, Jan van Oudenaerde was charged with installing two staircases on the Augustijnenbrug that lead to the water.
In 1937 the bridge was partly re-worked and reinforced. In 1984 the bridge was restored again according to a design by the Bruges Study Office Verschave.

Source: inventory.onroerenderfgoed.be/

The Augustijnenrei is a little-known but enchanting canal that is perfect for a lovely stroll. It was dug in the 12th century and is the proud owner of the stately Augustiner Bridge, not coincidentally one of the oldest bridges in the city. The name of the canal refers to the now-defunct Augustiner Monastery. The monastery may have disappeared, but you can still find peace here.
Source:
visitbruges.be/en/see-and-live/culture-and-heritage/augustijnenrei-augustiner-gracht

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