Puente de San Rafael, Arch bridge in Córdoba, Spain
The San Rafael Bridge is a concrete arch structure spanning the Guadalquivir River with eight arches that connect the two riverbanks in Córdoba. The structure features four traffic lanes for vehicles and two separate pedestrian paths on either side.
The structure was completed in 1953 and became the second river crossing in Córdoba after the two-thousand-year-old Roman bridge. It emerged as part of the city's modern development following Spain's civil conflict.
The bridge links two major city districts and serves as a daily crossing for residents and visitors alike, offering a modern contrast to the older Roman bridge downstream. It shapes the urban landscape as a functional mid-20th century structure that supports the city's connectivity and movement.
The bridge is easily accessible for both pedestrians and drivers with wide, level paths and multiple traffic lanes. The experience is best in early morning or late afternoon when traffic is lighter and river views from the walkways are clearer.
The structure was named after the city's patron saint, carrying a strong connection to local religious identity that is often overlooked by visitors. The choice of name reflects the cultural importance of religious figures in Spanish urban infrastructure projects.
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