Puente de España, Stone bridge across Pasig River in Binondo, Philippines.
Puente de España is a stone bridge spanning the Pasig River that connects the neighborhoods of Binondo and Ermita with central Manila along Calle Nueva. The structure features ten arches built from local volcanic tuff material, designed for long-term durability.
Construction began in 1626 under Governor Fernándo de Silva and finished in 1630 during Spanish colonial rule. In 1814, wooden components were replaced with stone arches and supporting piers were reinforced for greater structural strength.
The bridge links the commercial quarter of Binondo with Intramuros, demonstrating the intersection of Spanish colonial heritage and Filipino trade practices. Visitors today experience this place as a working junction where two distinct neighborhoods meet and exchange with each other.
The bridge sits in the heart of the city and is reachable on foot from many directions, though expect busy traffic and crowds. Best explored early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heaviest rush times.
During construction, the Pasig River was partially diverted into existing canals to create dry land for building the supporting piers. Engineer Antonio Herrera used locally sourced volcanic tuff, which proved exceptionally resistant to water damage over centuries.
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