The Old Bridge of Murcia
The Old Bridge, popularly known as "Puente de los Peligros" (Bridge of the Dangers), is one of the most emblematic monuments of Murcia and one of the great works of engineering of the Murcian Baroque. Built over the Segura River between 1718 and 1742, it replaced the old medieval bridge destroyed by a flood in 1701 and became the main communication route between the city and the royal road to Cartagena. Its construction lasted for over two decades due to the economic and technical difficulties of the time, with prominent masters such as Toribio Martínez de la Vega and, in its final phase, Jaime Bort, the same architect who designed the famous Baroque facade of the Cathedral of Murcia.
From an artistic point of view, the bridge is a magnificent example of civil architecture from the 18th century. It is built of ashlar stone and is articulated by two large lowered arches supported by a robust central pillar. Jaime Bort introduced various ornamental improvements, endowing the ensemble with greater monumentality and elegance. Although the expansions made during the 19th century partially modified its original appearance, the bridge still retains much of its historical character.
Its most popular element is the temple that houses the image of the "Virgen de los Peligros" (Virgin of the Dangers), located next to the southern access. This small construction, built later in Neoclassical style, gave rise to the name by which the people of Murcia traditionally know the bridge.
The Old Bridge of Murcia is one of the landmarks of the city that you can explore in depth with our Walking tour of the city of Murcia. Feel free to contact for more information.
Tour "The Best of Murcia"
The tour with everything you can't miss in Murcia. A two-hour itinerary ideal for small groups. With an official tour guide.
The Old Bridge of Murcia
The Old Bridge, popularly known as Puente de los Peligros (Bridge of the Dangers), is one of the most emblematic monuments of Murcia and one of the great engineering works of the Murcian Baroque. Built over the Segura River between 1718 and 1742, it replaced the old medieval bridge destroyed by a flood in 1701 and became the main communication route between the city and the royal road to Cartagena. Its construction lasted more than two decades due to the economic and technical difficulties of the time, with prominent masters such as Toribio Martínez de la Vega intervening, and in its final phase, Jaime Bort, the same architect who designed the famous Baroque facade of the Cathedral of Murcia.
From an artistic point of view, the bridge is a magnificent example of civil architecture from the 18th century. It is built in ashlar stone and articulated with two large lowered arches resting on a robust central pillar. Jaime Bort introduced various ornamental improvements, endowing the ensemble with greater monumentality and elegance. Although the expansions made during the 19th century partially modified its original appearance, the bridge still retains much of its historical character.
Its most popular element is the temple that houses the image of the Virgin of the Dangers, located next to the southern access. This small construction, later raised in neoclassical style, gave rise to the name by which the Murcians traditionally know the bridge.
The Old Bridge of Murcia is one of the landmarks of the city that you can explore in depth with our Walking Tour of the City of Murcia. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Tour "The Best of Murcia"
The tour with everything you can't miss in Murcia. An itinerary of two hours ideal for small groups. With an official tour guide.
