Puente de Fierro, 19th-century bridge in Arequipa, Peru.
The Puente de Fierro is an iron bridge that spans the Chili River and connects two districts of Arequipa. The structure uses metal trusses and columns in its design and extends approximately 485 meters across the water.
The structure was built between 1869 and 1871 and was originally designed to carry a railway line connecting Arequipa to a coastal port. The bridge was part of an ambitious transportation network linking southern Peru to maritime trade.
The bridge connects the community as a daily crossing between neighborhoods and reflects American engineering practices of the 1800s brought to South America. Pedestrians and cyclists use it regularly, and the iron structure has become a symbol of the city for many residents.
The crossing is accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists today, making it a pleasant route for these visitors. The best light for walking and viewing the surroundings comes in early morning or late afternoon hours.
The bridge was designed by a specialist who patented a novel column system that was used in only a handful of similar structures worldwide. Today it stands as one of the last remaining examples of this specific construction method.
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