Puerta del Puente

Córdoba, Spain

In the 16th century, the authorities of Córdoba decided to improve the condition of the entrance to the city due to the deteriorated state of the existing gate. With this goal in mind, on February 18, 1572, mayor Alonso Gonzalez de Arteaga issued the order to build the Bridge Gate.

Reasons given focused on the fact that it was one of the city's main gates, handling a high volume of movement in terms of both people and supplies. In addition to enlarging the gateway, the city's officials wished to improve the artistic merits of the gate as part of an urban renewal.

Bridge Gate construction was started by Francisco de Montalbán although few months later, in 1571, Hernán Ruiz III which took over the works. Complications arose with respect to the design of the door, leading to a spike in the expected cost: the initial budget of 1400 ducats tripled to 3100. Work apparently stopped for a four year period until 1576, when Hernán Ruiz resumed his work. Possibly due to the indebtedness of the City Council of Cordoba and general lack of funds, the project remained was unfinished.

In 1912, under the reign of Alfonso XIII, the area in which the Puerta del Puente was located was stripped of its walls and rebuilt in 1928 as a memorial gate, repeating on the inner side forms the outer side. In the late fifties the level of all the land bordering the door, until the original ground level was restored, when neighbouring buildings were lowered.

In the early twenty-first century, the first restoration of the Puerta del Puente took place, at which point archaeological excavations took place. Further restorative work continued in 2005.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1572
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Spain

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Robert Chomicz (2 years ago)
A sort of a triumphal arch. You will see it when crossing the Roman bridge whether you're heading to the old town or away from it. Is it the most impressive arch that you'll ever see/ No. But its pleasant to look at and makes for a good landmark for meetings.
Dan Maarek (2 years ago)
You can't avoid it, so there's no need to make time for it as you'll pass by it on your way from or to the Roman Bridge. It is beautiful at night, and such are its surroundings and the walls of the Mesquita.
Lukasz Taborski (2 years ago)
Behind this gate you will discover the beauty of Córdoba in an hour's walk. The bridge itself with the gate is a perfect starting point for sightseeing.
Itzik levy (Izikl) (3 years ago)
Puerta del Puente The entrance gate to the old city This is not the gate built by the Romans but a gate built in the 16th century in honor of King Philip II. From here cross the Guadalquivir river and overlook the old city. It is highly recommended to come here at night, the views from the bridge and on the other side of the river are amazing.
Steven (3 years ago)
16th century Renaissance gate built to commemorate a visit by King Phillip II. It was built on the site of the earlier Roman gate that linked the city with the Roman bridge. A good meeting point and the main tourist office is located close by.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.