Puente del Ayuntamiento, Iron drawbridge in Bilbao, Spain
Puente del Ayuntamiento is an iron drawbridge crossing the Nervión River in central Bilbao, measuring approximately 150 meters in length and 20 meters in width. The structure carries both vehicular and pedestrian traffic between the Abando and Begoña districts.
The bridge was built in 1934 following engineering designs inspired by Chicago's Michigan Avenue Bridge, bringing transatlantic construction expertise to Bilbao. It was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 but reconstructed by 1941.
The bridge design follows the engineering principles of Chicago's Michigan Avenue Bridge, representing a transfer of architectural knowledge between continents.
The bridge is easily accessible on foot and by vehicle during daylight hours, directly connecting both riverbanks in the city center. Crossing is straightforward at any time, though daytime visits offer better visibility of the surrounding riverfront.
The bridge's lifting mechanism was permanently sealed in 1969 when river traffic in this section of the Nervión ended. This abandoned function serves as a reminder of the Nervión's past importance as a shipping corridor through the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Bilbao City Hall
126 m
Edificio de la antigua Aduana de Bilbao
152 m
Edificio San Agustín, Bilbao
177 m
Colegio Zabalburu (Convento de la Esperanza)
270 m
Palacio de Justicia de Bilbao
288 m
Variante ovoide de la desocupación de la esfera
61 m
Naviera Aznar
81 m
Edificio Aviación y Comercio
63 m
Erripa kalearen 6. zenbakiko eraikina
176 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 7
223 m
Biblioteca del Decanato de Bilbao
220 m
Casa Esperanza 20
186 m
Casa Sendeja 1
132 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 6
234 m
Casa Sendeja 4
110 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 12
165 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 11
176 m
Casa Sendeja 5
100 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 9
199 m
Casa Sendeja 2
122 m
Tinglados del Arenal
64 m
Casa Sendeja 6
93 m
Casa Esperanza 18
204 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 8
211 m
Casa Esperanza 26
142 m
Casa Viuda De Epalza 2
283 m
Casa Sendeja 7
89 m
Casa Esperanza 14
235 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes