Puente de San Lázaro, Medieval arch bridge in Plasencia, Spain.
The Puente de San Lázaro crosses the Jerte River with seven arches built from stone and slate, measuring roughly 3.5 meters wide. The structure displays a distinctive double slope design across its length, characteristic of construction techniques from that period.
The structure was built in 1538 to replace an earlier medieval bridge that had been destroyed by flooding in the region. Financial difficulties delayed the reconstruction work for some time before the new crossing was finally completed.
The bridge takes its name from a nearby hospital for leprosy patients that operated between the 13th and 15th centuries, marking an important part of the community's past.
Vehicle crossing is restricted to one-way traffic with cars under 5 meters in length, serving mainly as an exit from the San Lázaro neighborhood. The bridge accommodates only light traffic and is designed for local use rather than major routes.
The bridge retains its original construction with ancient pillars and seven semi-circular spans, with the central arch being notably larger than the others. This design choice helped distribute the river's force and ensured the structure's stability through centuries of water flow.
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