A Guide to Valencia's Bridges

The ancient and modern bridges of Valencia have a very special story to tell. Once upon a time a broad and mighty river flowed under them. Nowadays, crowds of walkers, joggers and cyclists meander their way under these magnificent bridges. A total of 19 bridges, both old and new, traverse the riverbed of the old Turia river.

For centuries Valencia had been fighting a precarious battle against the unpredictable surge and flow of the river. After a series of flash floods caused untold damage, the most memorable of which happened as recently as 1957, it was decided to divert the flow of the river, thus leaving a stretch of land 7 km's long.

In the mid-eighties, work began in earnest to reclaim the riverbed and convert it into what is today one of the most original and awe inspiring parks in the world.

First off, the world 'puente' means bridge. The old river ran to the sea from west to east. Here is a list and description of Valencia's bridges:

Puente 9 de Octubre: This bridge, commemorating the events of the 9th of October, sits at the western end of the riverbed. It was designed and built by a young Santiago Calatrava. It joins the long avenue called Tres Cruces with a huge Shopping centre in the northern part of the city.

Puente de las Artes: Work on the 'bridge of the Arts' was completed in 1998. It links the street called Guillem de Castro with the road leading to Burjassot.

Puente de San José: This historic bridge was once the gateway from the 'Portal Nou' within the city walls to the countryside to the north. This gateway resembled the towers that still stand today, the Torres de los Serranos and Torres de Quart, but sadly the 'portal nou' no longer exists.

Puente de los Serranos: This bridge stretches out in front of the towering presence of los Torres de los Serranos. It feeds onto a street named calle Sagunto. This was the ancient road that joined Valencia city with the Roman fortress of Saguntum.

Puente de la Trinidad: The 'Trinity' bridge is the oldest of all the bridges presently standing in the city. Like the Serranos bridge, this bridge once fed out of an old city gateway or tower, which was, la Puerta de la Trinidad. it was linked to the monastery on the other side of the Turia river.

Puente del Real: This 'royal' bridge dates from the end of the 16th century. The old convent of Santo Domingo was responsible for its construction. Legend suggests that the materials, including rocks, earth and even tombstones taken from the convent's cemetery, were used in its building. It links the road leading from Plaza Tetuan to the public park and gardens, Los Jardines del Real.

Puente de la Exposición: This bridge is better known as the Calatrava bridge, named after Valencia's beloved architect Santiago Calatrava. This hyper-modern bridge was designed in the mid 90s. It was built on the site of the old Exposición bridge which was originally built for the Exposición Regional of 1909. The wonderful aspect of the bridge is the underground metro station that was constructed below it.

Puente de los Flores: This is one 'blooming' bridge. The flower bridge is a living, breathing display of floral beauty. Countless thousands of Euros are spent each year by the local government to painstakingly maintain this splendid sight. The bridge features wooden walkways, cycle paths and access to traffic. The many cosy benches that straddle it entirety make it the ideal place to sit and ponder the beauty that is the riverbed below.

Puente del Mar: This is one of the few strictly pedestrian bridges in Valencia, and probably the most beautiful. It is the link between the Plaza de America and the Alameda. Wide, elaborate steps open out onto this rustic stone bridge and its sides are lined with sandstone statues in their turrets. Stone alcoves that act as benches are set into the walls of the bridge, making it one of the most romantic spots on Valencia.

Puente del Reino: This is considered by many as the 'Gothic' bridge. The entrances on each side of the bridge are guarded by 2 impressive gargoyles. Salvador Monleon was responsible for its innovative and thought provoking design. The bridge acts as a direct access from the city centre to the port area, bringing you down the spectacular avenue Reino de Valencia, across the bridge and down avenida de Francia. It is the widest bridge in the city boasting 8 lanes of traffic.