The Swinging Old Lady: Exploring the Queen Emma Bridge in Curçao

#GlobalDestinations Continuing our highlight of Curçao we have the Queen Emma Bridge.

This bridge still opens up regularly for the passage of vessels! The bridge was originally built in 1888, but the lighting was only added in 1955, to celebrate the royal visit of Queen Juliana of The Netherlands. Locally, this bridge is known as the Swinging Old Lady, as it swings from Otrabanda to Willemstad. Do you want to know something interesting? It served as a toll bridge from 1901 to 1934, but the passage through The Queen Emma Bridge was free for everyone barefoot! Later on, people from higher social classes started removing their shoes to cross the bridge, so it was made free for everyone. Will you honor the history of the bridge by taking your shoes off next time you visit? It would certainly be a curious sight to see!