Puente del Genil, Stone bridge in Granada, Spain
The Puente del Genil is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Genil River on five arches, each supported by sturdy stone pillars fitted with wedge-shaped cutwaters to break the current. The structure links different sections of the riverside parks and gardens while serving as a major pedestrian pathway across the water.
The bridge was constructed during the 11th century under the rule of the Zirid dynasty, which governed this region of southern Spain. In 2007, it received official protection as a cultural heritage site, securing its place among Granada's most significant historical structures.
The bridge displays stone lion sculptures holding shields at each end, which are instantly recognizable features when walking along the Genil riverbanks. These guardians have become a symbol of the waterside gardens for both locals and visitors.
The bridge is accessible year-round as a main crossing point over the river, positioned at the heart of the Genil riverside parks. Visitors should know that the stone surface can become slippery after rain, and wearing sturdy footwear is advisable when walking across.
The stone for construction came from the La Malahá quarry nearby, and fragments of the original material remain visible beneath layers of modern concrete repairs. This layering reveals how the bridge was gradually reinforced and renewed over centuries to withstand river conditions.
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