From the best-preserved Roman bridge in the world to the tallest in Europe: a stroll through the 7 most impressive bridges in Spain

According to data from the Ministry of Development, there are around 23,000 bridges in our country, some of which rightfully rank among the best in the world. Exploring them all (considering that some are so dilapidated that crossing them would be a high-risk mission and more frightening than these suspension bridges that induce vertigo) could be very appealing, but perhaps it's more interesting to suggest a stroll through the 7 most impressive bridges in Spain.

The bridges we are about to explore serve as a living testament that connects the past, present, and future. From Roman engineering to contemporary structures, the 7 most impressive bridges in Spain not only connect places but also eras and cultures. Some, like the Roman Bridge in Mérida or the one in Besalú, transport us back to ancient times when our ancestors left their legacy in stone. Others, like the Triana Bridge in Seville or the New Bridge in Ronda, merge with the urban landscape and are the best identity markers of their cities. There are also marvels of modern engineering, such as the Constitution Bridge of 1812 in Cádiz or the Vizcaya Bridge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In short, these seven bridges not only stand out for their structural function but have also become architectural, touristic, and cultural symbols of Spain.

The Roman Bridge of Mérida, over the Guadiana River, is one of the most impressive legacies of Roman engineering in Spain. Built in the 1st century BC, it originally spanned more than 700 meters in length and had 62 arches, making it one of the longest bridges in the Roman Empire. Although it has been restored and modified over the centuries, its main structure has endured for more than two thousand years. It was a key piece in the founding of Augusta Emerita (now Mérida), capital of Lusitania. Nowadays it is pedestrian and part of the urban landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage city, besides being the best-preserved Roman bridge in the world.

This bridge, although known as a Roman bridge, is actually of medieval origin (13th century), but built over earlier remains. It crosses the Sella River and is one of Asturias's most recognized symbols thanks to the Cross of Victory and its pointed central arch. Linked to the history of the Kingdom of Asturias and the Reconquest, it is one of the jewels that pilgrims will discover if they take the Primitive Way of Santiago, but take a slight detour (much less demanding, by the way) to reach Covadonga.

The medieval bridge of Besalú is one of the most photographed in Spain (if you need expert tips for taking the best photos, you can read them here), and an emblem of Catalonia. Built in the 12th century over the Fluvià River, its profile with a central tower and angular shape transports us with its defensive aesthetics to the Middle Ages. Besalú was an important commercial hub, and the bridge served as a fortified access to the town. Throughout its history, it has undergone reconstructions, renovations, additions, and restorations that have allowed it to preserve its historical essence. The bridge and the town form a postcard that seems taken from a novel of medieval knights.

The New Bridge of Ronda is one of the most impressive structures in Andalusia, and we would dare to say all of Spain. Built in the 18th century to connect the two parts of the city separated by the Tajo Gorge in Ronda, over 100 meters deep. Its construction took more than 40 years and constitutes a major achievement in civil architecture. From the top of the bridge, there are spectacular views of the Málaga mountain landscape. This monument is not only functional but is an undisputed symbol of Ronda and, for many, the most beautiful bridge in the world. Quite the statement!

Now we continue with the highest cable-stayed bridge in Europe, which takes us to Cádiz. Popularly known as 'La Pepa', this suspension bridge is one of the greatest works of modern engineering in Spain. Inaugurated in 2015, it connects Cádiz with Puerto Real, crossing the bay. It has a length of 3,157 meters and a maximum height of 69 meters, allowing large ships to pass under its structure. Its cable design resembles the sails of a ship.

To learn more about its construction, we must go back to the end of 1969, when a report revealed that about 5,500 vehicles passed daily over the Carranza Bridge (which provides access to Cádiz). These figures made evident the need for a new access to the city. Although initially, the possibility of building a tunnel under the waters of the bay was studied, the idea was discarded in subsequent years.

We continue in Andalusia but travel to Seville to admire the Isabel II Bridge. Doesn't ring a bell? Perhaps if we tell you we are referring to the Triana Bridge, it changes things. Inaugurated in 1852, it connects the center of Seville with the Triana neighborhood and is one of the oldest iron bridges in Spain. It is said that its design is inspired by the now-defunct Carrousel Bridge in Paris and, although it does not offer views of the Eiffel Tower, it does provide an unmatched panoramic view of the Torre del Oro, La Giralda, and sunsets over the river.

We conclude this tour of the 7 most impressive bridges of Spain in the north. The Vizcaya Bridge, known to many as the hanging bridge, connects the towns of Portugalete and Getxo. Inaugurated in 1893, it can boast of being the first transporter bridge in the world and is still in operation. Its industrial design with a metal structure was very revolutionary in its time, creating great controversy, but in 2006, thanks to being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the controversy was settled. The suspended cabin that crosses the Nervión allows for the passage of people and vehicles without interrupting river traffic. Without a doubt, it constitutes an icon of the Industrial Revolution and a symbol of Basque architecture.

In summary, there is no need to travel to China to discover breathtaking bridges, nor to India to see the living bridges, since in Spain we also have bridges for all tastes, from the best-preserved Roman bridge in the world to the tallest in Europe.