Bridge of Lions

 Bridge of Lions

Bridge of Lions Pixabay Public Domain

The Bridge of Lions is much more than just a bridge, it is an icon of historic St. Augustine. This bridge connects downtown St. Augustine to Anastasia Island across Matanzas Bay and has been doing so since 1927.

Also known as an integral part of State Road A1A, the Bridge of Lions is a double-leaf bascule bridge, or drawbridge, that spans the Intracoastal Waterway. What makes it so recognizable are the 2 white Carrara marble lion statues near the bridge, the statues being copies of the originals in Florence, Italy at the Loggia dei Lanzi. These 'Medici lion' statues read 'P. DE L. 1513 ST. AUGUSTINE 1924'.

When the drawbridge is in the 'up' position commercial and recreational boats can pass through the center channel underneath.