The bridges depicted on the European Union (EU) currency are no longer just symbols. They have been faithfully reproduced, and this has turned the Dutch village of Spijkenisse into a tourist attraction.
The euro was released on January 1, 2002. Designed by the Austrian illustrator, Robert Kalina, the banknotes depict various architecture, including several bridges. Each bridge symbolizes a certain period of European cultural history: classical antiquity, the Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods, and finally—contemporary 20th-century architecture.
But the drawings did not represent any existing architecture, probably not to offend anyone.
Kalina never imagined that the fruit of his imagination would come true all at once. Because of the idea and project of colleague and designer, Robin Stam, the bridges now have a residential building project called Het Land. It is in the former urban development center and suburb of Spijkenisse in the municipality of Nissewaard, not far from Rotterdam. Each of the seven bridges was shaped exactly to their corresponding banknotes. Colored concrete was poured into wooden molds and edges were cut following the models visible on the banknotes. In the end, the European Central Bank also liked the idea, giving its stamp of approval.
Each bridge also has a sign indicating the best spot for a photo to match the perspective on the banknote.