The 23 festivals you can’t miss in Andalucia
Remember these ten majestic bridges in Andalucia you simply must see at least once
Original, natural, historical… behind every bridge, every union between one place and another, hides a story. Sometimes it is the fusion of cultures; in others, anecdotes between cities. Others are found in unusual places. Most of the time, they are due to the ingenuity and creativity of human beings. Functional or decorative, bridges are an attractive feature of many destinations. Andalucia has some great bridges, and we don’t want you to miss out on this route which puts you within reach of the ten most significant ones in southern Spain.
1. Puente Nuevo in Ronda (Malaga)
The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is the most emblematic monument of the city of Ronda and was built between 1759 and 1793. It joins the historical and modern areas of the city, lying at the feet of the famous Tajo de Ronda, a gorge over 100 metres deep carved out by the Guadalevín river. Made of ashlar stone, the bridge has a central arch supported by a smaller one, and the top, are the bridge’s rooms which, in the past, were used as a prison. Don’t forget to admire the beauty of this curious bridge in one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
2. Puente de Triana (or Puente de Isabel II), Seville
This is the bridge that connects the two ‘Sevilles’ and is also known as the Isabel II bridge as it was completed during her reign. This bridge connects the city centre with the Triana district across the Guadalquivir river, which replaced an old pontoon bridge that was in place in the nineteenth century. Depending on the side of the river from which you see it, you can see the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) or the famous la Maestranza bullring in the background. Remember take a unique photograph of this part of the capital of Andalucia.
3. Puente de las Tres Fuentes, Almonaster la Real (Huelva)
The “Bridge of the Three Fountains” is located on a viaduct in Almonaster La Real, Huelva, and was designed by disciples of the renowned French engineer, Gustave Eiffel. This work of engineering is part of the Huelva-Zafra railway line and passes the valley in which lies the small brook, the Lisa, bring the architectural lines of the city of love to Andalucia. The bridge links two tunnels, one located on Las Tres Fuentes hill and another under El Mosquito. The viaduct was originally built with iron and coated with concrete in the mid-twentieth century.
4. José León de Carranza Bridge, Cádiz
Better known as Puente Carranza, this is a work which connects the banks of Cádiz and the end of the Puerto Real through the inner section of the Bay of Cádiz. The distance saved is part of the route of the road N-443, one of only two ways to access Cádiz from the continent. In addition to the distance saved, this bridge is especially unique for having a 90-metre double leaf bascule, the largest in Europe.
5. Aurora Bridge (Málaga)
A flood which caused huge damage and losses in 1907 was the final impetus for the construction of the Aurora bridge linking the traditional Trinidad neighbourhood and the centre. It is one of the symbols of the capital of the Costa del Sol, especially over Holy Week when the most venerated image of Our Lord Jesus the Captive passes over this bridge. One of the most outstanding sights is the resistance test carried out by the engineers, for which they used sandbags, while for the moving test, they used rows of trucks, tanks and bulldozers. A pleasant and unmissable walk if you visit Málaga.
6. Los Cahorros Suspension Bridge in Monachil (Granada)
The Monachil river gorge is found in the most dazzling entrance to Sierra Nevada. Here are the suspension bridges on the route of Los Cahorros which is a great choice for a long walk with the whole family. The vegetation surrounding this route is surrounded by limestone, flora and fauna, and waterfalls make this a must visit to one of the most beautiful places in the province of Granada.
7. Caminito del Rey Bridge, El Chorro (Málaga)
El Caminito del Rey is considered the world’s most dangerous road. If you are an adventure lover, you can’t help but get close to this place with its spectacular views. This path ruined hangs from a gorge over a hundred metres high and where there is a suspension bridge which leads to a rocky ravine. Restoration work is currently being carried out and it is expected to be opened and passable by early 2015. Just contemplating the surrounding landscape makes it worth visiting this spectacular spot in Málaga where professional climbers from around the world gather.
8. Puente de los Alemanes in Málaga
The “Bridge of the Germans” is a small bridge which Germany donated to the Spanish city of Málaga and which was built in 1909. The story begins on December 18th, 1900, when the German frigate SMS Gneisenau hit the breakwater of the port because of the storm. Numerous locals from Málaga jumped overboard to help the German sailors, which cost the lives of many. This earned Málaga the title of Most Hospitable, which appears on its shield, and the gift of this bridge on behalf of the German people. This record of history in the city is unmissable.
9. Puente internacional del Guadiana, Ayamonte (Huelva)
The International Guadiana Bridge is a bridge which was built in 1991 by a Spanish-Portuguese consortium on the Guadiana river towards the end, about two miles from the mouth. It links Spain and Portugal through the cities of Castro Marim in the Faro District and Ayamonte in the province of Huelva. It is one of the longest bridges in Spain and the third in Portugal after Puente Vasco da Gama and the Puente 25 de Abril, both in Lisbon. A walk between the countries that you will undoubtedly enjoy.
10. Puente Zuazo, San Fernando (Cádiz)
The Zuazo Bridge is located in San Fernando and links that town (located on an island) with Puerto Real and therefore the rest of the province of Cádiz, apart from the stop on the Caño de Sancti Petri. This historic bridge has been the scene of important battles in the history of Spain, such as the capture of Cádiz by the British or the site of Napoleon’s troops. Built in oyster stone, it is undoubtedly the symbol of the city of San Fernando, as reflected its shield and is one of the many unmissable Andalucian bridges.
If you are travelling through Andalucia, remember to go and see the most significant bridges in the south where you can enjoy the most important history, culture and architecture in these lands.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Fuerte El Rompido
If you want to follow this particular route which will guide you through these impressive bridges in southern Spain, we recommend staying at Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has stores in all these dream places and can ease your journey through history.
Hotels and apartments with excellent service and quality according to Tripadvisor, and supported by over 50 years of experience, they are the best choice for unwinding and living this historical and cultural experience. Marbella, Conil, Grazalema, El Rompido, Estepona or Torrox are some areas where you can find great accommodation.
the first picture of the bridge at the top of the page with two waterfalls where is that?
Los Cahorros Suspension Bridge in Monachil (Granada)