Puente Nuevo

Puente Nuevo, also meaning the New Bridge in Spanish, runs across the Guadalevin River and the El Tajo gorge in the town of Ronda in Andalusia, Spain. Though the bridge's views are spectacular, and something is intimidating about this 120 meters deep gorge, it is not that unique from an engineering perspective.

In fact, the supposedly 'new' bridge is not so new – it was completed in 1793 when it could have been called an engineering feat. The first bridge, also known as the Puente de San Miguel, was built by the Moors around the 9th century. The bridge required people to climb 120 meters up and down to cross the narrow and steep gorge. The second bridge, also known as the Puente Viejo, collapsed and led to the death of about 50 people in1740. Post this incident, José Martin de Aldehuela was commissioned to build a new bridge. Built of stone and three arches, the construction of this bridge took almost 42 years.

The bridge divides the town of Ronda into the old town and the new town. The old part houses the churches, citadels, and palaces, while the new town is Ronda's commercial center. People can walk along the sides of the bridge. And if you wish to photograph the gorge's scenic view or sit back and enjoy the fresh air, local authorities have provided seating facilities within the protective barrier. Just be cautious, as leaning too far on these seats can be scary and risky as well!