The Floating Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge, built in 1888, can be considered as the landmark of the island of Curacao. The world's largest floating bridge, "the old swinging lady", is definitely the most famous and photographed structure on the island. It was closed for motorized traffic once the Queen Juliana Bridge was opened in 1974 for traffic. Today only pedestrians are allowed to use the bridge, which connects Punda and Otrobanda in Willemstad. The carnival parade used to pass over the bridge in the past, the last time it did was in 1993. The bridge has been restored twice: in 1939 and 2006. The bridge swings open to let vessels into the harbor. While opened, pedestrians can use the free ferry service to travel between Punda and Otrobanda. I love this bridge and I find it very unique! I'm sure if this bridge was built in a bigger, world city, it would have been a well known landmark all over the world!