Bridge of Segovia, Renaissance arch bridge in Madrid, Spain
The Bridge of Segovia is a granite arch bridge crossing the Manzanares River with nine symmetrical stone arches and sturdy supporting pillars. It links central Madrid with the areas beyond, accommodating both vehicles and pedestrians on its wide roadway.
King Philip II commissioned the bridge in 1574 as Juan de Herrera designed it to serve as a major gateway to the expanding city. This project marked one of the first significant infrastructure developments that connected Madrid to the southern territories beyond the river.
The bridge became a subject in paintings and writings that explored the relationship between human structures and the river landscape below. Artists found the contrast between the grand stonework and the modest waterway meaningful.
You can reach the bridge easily from Calle Segovia or the Madrid Río Park, where both vehicle and pedestrian access are clearly marked. The surrounding area offers nearby parking and riverside walking paths that make navigation straightforward.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, explosions caused significant damage to the structure, which was later rebuilt with modifications to its original design. The stone sections show visible differences that reflect these wartime injuries and subsequent repairs.
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