Iron bridge of El Capricho, Madrid

The Iron bridge of El Capricho is a small pedestrian crossing made of metal that spans a stream in the park, consisting of two curved metal arcs supporting wooden steps. The structure demonstrates how engineers of that era created functional passages with simplicity and careful proportion.

The bridge was built in 1830 under the supervision of the Duchess of Osuna and stands as Spain's first structure of this type. This project marked the start of a new building approach that would influence construction methods across the country.

The bridge shows how Spain began to adopt new industrial materials in its most refined settings, blending modern engineering with garden design. Visitors can observe how iron became a symbol of progress even in aristocratic leisure spaces.

The structure is located within the park interior and can only be reached during park operating hours, which vary by season. Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the grounds and experience the crossing in its garden setting.

The bridge was completed several years before other notable iron structures elsewhere in the country, making it a remarkable technical achievement for its time. Few visitors realize that this modest structure represents Spain's pioneering role in modern construction methods.