Roman Bridge of Córdoba
The Roman Bridge of Córdoba crosses the Guadalquivir below the Mosque-Cathedral on 16 arches over about 331 metres; Roman in origin, it was largely rebuilt by the Moors around 720.
About Roman Bridge of Córdoba
The first bridge probably dates from the reign of Augustus, when Córdoba was the Roman colony of Patricia. Around 720 the governor al-Samh rebuilt it with stone from the city walls, and repeated repairs followed; only two of the 16 arches are thought to be original. It was declared a monument in 1931 and is part of Córdoba's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the north end the Puerta del Puente, a Renaissance gate of 1572 by Hernán Ruiz II, frames the approach. Halfway across stands the Triunfo de San Rafael of 1651, a statue of the city's guardian archangel, and below the parapets are old water mills and the reed beds of the Sotos de la Albolafia nature reserve. The Calahorra Tower at the south end houses the Living Museum of al-Andalus.
The bridge is free and open at all hours, with no tickets or booking. Its granite paving, laid during the 2006–2008 restoration, is smooth, so wheelchairs and pushchairs manage easily. Crossing takes about 10 minutes, or 30–45 with stops. The Calahorra Tower museum charges about €4.50. There is no parking; walk or take bus 3 or 12 to Puerta del Puente.
The light is best at sunset, from the south bank or mid-bridge, when the Mosque-Cathedral and the Alcázar glow above the river; early morning is the quietest time. In summer carry water.
Roman Bridge of Córdoba in pictures
What you’ll find
- Free entryFree visitFree
- Step-free accessAccessible visitFree
- ViewpointSightseeingFree
Nearby places to visit
The bridge links the historic centre with the Calahorra Tower and the Campo de la Verdad district on the south bank. At its north end, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (290 m) rises just beyond the Puerta del Puente, and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (260 m) and its gardens lie a few minutes west along the river. The Bullfighting Museum of Córdoba (430 m) and the Córdoba Synagogue (500 m) are in the lanes of the Jewish quarter, and the Córdoba Archaeological Museum (510 m) is a short walk to the north-east.
Roman Bridge of Córdoba at a glance
Town
Córdoba
Address
Puerta del Puente, Plaza del Triunfo 14003
Opening hours
Open 24 hours, every day
Prices
Free, open access at all times; Calahorra Tower museum at the south end about €4.50
More places nearby
Other places within 25 km of Roman Bridge of Córdoba, nearest first.
