Thinking of the city of Cordoba, one of the first images that comes to mind is precisely its imposing Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) over the Guadalquivir. Needless to say, a stroll across the bridge is a must during your visit to discover the city of Cordoba, whose historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let’s explore together the long history of this bridge and all the information to fully enjoy it!
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Historical background
Built in the 1st century BC by the Romans, the bridge remained the only one in the whole city for practically two millennia: probably before that there was simply a wooden bridge linking the north and south parts of the town. According to recent studies the bridge probably formed part of the Via Augusta, the Roman road that connected Rome with the city of Cadiz.
The Middle Ages were characterised by bitter battles and on either side of the bridge the Arabs built two defensive towers: the Torre di Calahorra to the south and the Puerta del Puente to the north. Even today you can admire these splendid, imposing structures, although the Puerta del Puente was rebuilt by the architect Hernán Ruiz II at the end of the sixteenth century in honour of the visit by Philip II: it still appears almost like a triumphal arch that celebrates the entrance to the city and prefigures the majestic profile of the Mezquita di Cordoba.
The Roman Bridge of Cordoba has been subject over the centuries to various restorations and alterations: the most recent, and one of the most significant, took place between 2006 and 2008. The architect in charge of the bridge’s structural conservation project is Juan Cuenca Montilla and he is a native of Cordoba. Although there was some controversy, the restoration brought to light some original parts of the bridge and rebuilt the piers that support the bridge’s arches, the tops of which indicate how high the level of the Guadalquivir must once have been.
Since 2004 the bridge has been pedestrianised, so crossing it is extremely pleasant and allows you to admire the splendid city of Cordoba from various viewpoints.
Structure of the Roman Bridge of Cordoba
The bridge today has 16 arches. The original Roman bridge probably had 17, and of the 16 arches present today only the 14th and 15th, counting from Puerta del Puente, are original.
The length of the bridge is extraordinary when you think about when it was built: it is no less than 247 metres long. The width reaches 9 metres: being entirely pedestrian, walking across the bridge at a relaxed pace is ideal for fully appreciating the view of the river and the historic centre.
The best viewpoints
The best spots to admire the Roman Bridge from above are certainly the Mirador della Puerta del Puente and the tower of the Alcázar de Cordoba. In the latter case you’ll likely have to queue in the sun for a short time, but the time and effort will be repaid by the exceptional view. If you don’t plan to visit the Alcázar, you can still enjoy the bridge’s majesty from the north and south banks of the Guadalquivir, particularly from the south riverside, which also offers a close-up view of the handsome Torre de la Calahorra, the fortress of Arab origin whose three towers have protected the southern side of Cordoba’s Roman bridge for centuries.
What’s nearby?
We’re in the heart of the city: within a short distance of the bridge you’ll find virtually all the main attractions of Cordoba:
- the Mezquita
- the Alcázar
- the Jewish Quarter (Juderia)
- the Calleja de las Flores
- The Albolafia Mill
- The Synagogue of Córdoba
- … and much more! To give you an idea: the distinctive Plaza del Potro is a short 10-minute riverside walk to Calle Torres.
How to get there?
You’re most likely to reach this area on foot, strolling through the centre of Cordoba. If, however, you travel by bus, lines 3 and 12 have a stop right in front of Porta del Puente.
Where to stay?
You will find all the information and tips about the neighbourhoods in Cordoba’s city centre in our in-depth article. Click the link below to find out more.
Tips on where to stay in Cordoba
Interesting facts
- Fans of the series Game of Thrones won’t have failed to notice that the bridge was used as a filming location for several scenes in the fifth season. Furthermore, in 2002 it served as a set for Vicente Aranda’s film Carmen.
- Not far from Cordoba’s Roman Bridge lies a natural oasis of about 6 square kilometres where up to 120 bird species nest each year, some of them even endangered. The area is called Sotos de la Albolafia and has been declared a protected nature reserve.
