Puente Ortiz, National monument bridge in central Cali, Colombia.
Puente Ortiz spans the Cali River in the city center, connecting the eastern and western districts through its steel and stone arch construction. The structure rests on robust pillars and provides a stable passage for both pedestrians and vehicles crossing above the water.
Franciscan friar José Ignacio Ortiz designed this bridge in the early 1900s as the first crossing to span the Cali River. The project represented a turning point in connecting the city's divided sections and enabled further urban growth.
The bridge serves as a gathering point for local festivals and public celebrations throughout the year. It has become woven into the daily life and identity of residents who cross it regularly.
The bridge sits in the city center and is easy to reach, offering decent views of the river from its span. Visitors should know that the location gets busy during daytime, especially when festivals or parades take place.
What stands out is that a Franciscan friar with limited engineering training designed a structure that has lasted for generations. The bridge proved that resourcefulness and local knowledge sometimes surpassed formal expertise.
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