Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine

The Bridge of Lions is one of Saint Augustine’s most recognizable landmarks, linking the historic downtown with Anastasia Island across the Matanzas Bay. Completed in 1927, the bascule bridge was designed during the Florida land boom, a period when the city sought to blend modern infrastructure with aesthetic beauty. Its name comes from the two marble lion statues at the western entrance, replicas of the Medici lions in Florence, Italy, symbolizing both strength and elegance. For nearly a century, the bridge has served as both a practical crossing and a cultural emblem of the nation’s oldest city.

Architecturally, the Bridge of Lions is a Mediterranean Revival–style drawbridge, reflecting the same romantic vision that shaped much of Saint Augustine’s early 20th-century development. Its graceful arches and decorative lampposts were carefully crafted to complement the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. The twin lion statues, imported from Italy, were restored in 2005 during an extensive rehabilitation project that modernized the structure while preserving its historic character. The result is a bridge that continues to function efficiently while retaining its place as a piece of living history.

Walking across the bridge today, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the bay, the downtown skyline with its distinctive towers, and the open waters leading toward the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge is especially striking at sunrise and sunset, when the light transforms the surrounding scenery into a vivid panorama. In addition to its beauty, the bridge remains operational as a drawbridge, raising to allow sailboats and larger vessels to pass-a reminder that Saint Augustine is both a historic city and an active port.

For tourists, the Bridge of Lions is more than a transportation link; it is a symbolic gateway. Whether admired from the shore, crossed on foot, or viewed from the water, it captures the enduring charm of Saint Augustine. A stroll across the bridge connects not only two sides of the city but also centuries of history, art, and community spirit.