Puente de Itsas Aurre

The Puente de Itsas Aurre is a steel arch bridge with two separate levels crossing the Artibai River. The upper deck curves in a semicircular shape for pedestrians, while the lower deck carries two vehicle lanes alongside a wide sidewalk.

Santiago Calatrava designed this bridge in 1994 to create a new route into town and bypass vehicle traffic through Ondarroa's center. It marked his first major work in the Basque region.

The bridge quickly became woven into daily life in Ondarroa and transformed how the community moves between the harbor and the rest of the town. Locals use it as a natural gathering point and gateway to the fishing village beyond.

The best views of the structure come from the riverbanks and the viewing areas around the harbor. The bridge is easily accessible on foot and sits at a natural crossroads between the town center and the waterfront.

The bridge uses a paired steel cable system that connects the central arch directly to both decks, creating an unusual load-sharing design. This engineering approach allows both levels to function independently while remaining structurally unified.

Location: Ondarroa

GPS coordinates: 43.32250,-2.42028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21