Puente Nuevo: Historic Beauty Above the Spanish Gorge

Spain is known for its big, bustling cities and impressive, historical sightseeing destinations. The Puente Nuevo Bridge is the perfect intersection of impressive scenery and rich, historical architecture.

The breathtaking structure looks like a place from a different time. Known by locals as “El Tajo,” the bridge offers visitors dizzying views from high.

One man’s dream

Over two centuries ago, King Felipe V of Spain had the grandiose idea of constructing a bridge over the 120-meter canyon in the city of Ronda. Workers began the intricate building process in 1751, constructing three arches with a chamber above the middle arch.

In a city that allows visitors to discover past civilizations from eras gone by, the Puente Nuevo stands tall as the hallmark of Ronda.

Where beauty and history meet

Besides its well known big cities and busy life, Spain also hosts a series of impressive historical sightseeing objectives. The allure of Puente Nuevo, however, lies in the combination between impressive scenery, history and architectural details dating back to the 18th century.

As is usually the case with architecture that dates back hundreds of years, there is also a brutal side to Puente Nuevo’s past. During the civil war, the bridge chamber was used as a prison for captured enemies. Before long, the chamber started being used as a torture room.

It is mythologized that over 50 prisoners were thrown from the window of the chamber into the El Tajo gorge, although there is no evidence to support this legend.

Modern tourism at the Puente Nuevo Bridge

These days, the Puente Nuevo is a unique destination for travelers visiting the city of Ronda. The bridge itself has turned into a museum where tourists can check out the old torture chamber and admire the exquisite architecture and views of the El Tajo gorge.

The city of Ronda itself is also an overlooked treasure trove of low-key activity. There are numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are also plenty of wineries with tasting rooms, and museums for learning about the culture and history of the stunning Spanish city.