Puente de San Juan, San Martín de Valdeiglesias

The Puente de San Juan is a medieval bridge that crosses the Alberche River using four stone arches and sits near the Picadas Reservoir. The structure spans the water on a straightforward path that connects both riverbanks.

Construction began in the late 1300s under Archbishop Pedro Tenorio to improve western access to the town. Defensive towers were added two centuries later as the route gained strategic importance for the region.

The bridge holds a place in local stories and collective memory, with its name connecting it to the river and the town. People use it today as a passage between the valleys and as a landmark that shapes how travelers see the landscape.

The bridge is easy to reach by car with parking available nearby. From here you can explore the riverside landscape and see the surrounding valley and reservoir.

The defensive towers at each end were added centuries after the original bridge was finished. This addition shows how a simple river crossing eventually became an important checkpoint for controlling passage through the region.

Location: San Martín de Valdeiglesias

GPS coordinates: 40.36826,-4.30555

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12