Pedro de Valdivia Bridge, Arch bridge in Valdivia, Chile.
The Pedro de Valdivia Bridge is a concrete arch bridge that crosses the Valdivia River, linking the city center with Isla Teja on the opposite bank. Its arched design allows passage between both sides while accommodating local traffic and foot traffic.
The bridge opened in 1954 and became an important infrastructure milestone for the city. It proved its durability during the 1960 earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, when it remained structurally sound.
The bridge bears the name of the Spanish conquistador who founded the city during colonial times. This naming choice reflects the local connection to the region's Spanish colonial past.
The bridge is easily accessible and connects the city center directly with the Austral University of Chile campus across the water. You can cross on foot or by car, providing direct access to the museums and gardens on the island beyond.
After the 1960 earthquake, the region experienced the Riñihuazo flood, a destructive wave triggered by the quake itself. The structure survived not only the ground shaking but also the powerful water surge that followed.
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