Trappenbrug Over the Turfmarkt, Gouda

The Staircase Bridge is a monumental bridge over the Turfmarkt in the city of Gouda, in the Dutch province of South Holland.
The Staircase Bridge is the only one of its kind in Gouda. There was a stone bridge on this site as early as 1507. This bridge was also called the Vuilsteeg Bridge, because it was located opposite the Vuilsteeg; this was an alley that led to the rubbish dump on the city fortress, now the Regentesseplantsoen. In the 19th century, the name Vuilsteeg was changed to the current name Lange Dwarsstraat. On the other side of the Trappenbrug is the Geertje de Bultsteeg, an alley that, with the Arie Kerssensteegje and the Looierspoort, forms the connection between the Turfmarkt and the Groenendaal. In 1574, the existing bridge was replaced by a newly built stepped bridge. The height of the bridge was necessary so that the peat ships could pass this bridge unhindered. The name Turfmarkt recalls the time when peat from the surrounding peatlands was traded here. Peat ships sailed via the Turfsingel and the Gouwe to the Turfmarkt.
The Staircase Bridge is recognized as a national monument.

One of the most beautiful pedestrian bridges over one of the most beautiful canals in Gouda.

The Staircase Bridge is a monumental bridge over the Turfmarkt in the city of Gouda, in the Dutch province of South Holland.
The Staircase Bridge is the only one of its kind in Gouda. There was a stone bridge on this site as early as 1507. This bridge was also called the Vuilsteeg Bridge, because it was located opposite the Vuilsteeg; this was an alley that led to the rubbish dump on the city fortress, now the Regentesseplantsoen.