Besalú Bridge, Medieval stone bridge in Besalú, Spain
The Besalú Bridge is a stone arch bridge spanning 105 meters (344 feet) across the Fluvià River with eight pointed arches and defensive towers positioned at each entrance. The structure connects the historic old town with the newer sections of Besalú and dominates the skyline when viewed from either riverbank.
The original bridge was built in the 11th century under Count Guillem el Gras but was destroyed by a major flood in 1315 and completely rebuilt afterward. The structure that stands today dates from this reconstruction period and has remained largely intact since then.
The bridge displays Romanesque design features and remains central to how Besalú looks as a medieval town. It serves as a connecting point between the old quarters and reflects the community's long relationship with the river.
The bridge is freely accessible during daylight hours and can be crossed on foot to move between the old town and newer areas. The walkway is straightforward, though visitors should watch for uneven sections and the steps that lead toward the tower areas on both sides.
The middle section of the bridge displays a noticeably irregular bend caused by the unevenly distributed rocks in the riverbed where the supporting pillars were positioned. This distinctive feature gives the bridge its characteristic shape and reveals the engineering challenges faced during construction at this river location.
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