List of bridges in Spain facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Spain is home to many amazing bridges! From ancient Roman structures that are thousands of years old to modern marvels of engineering, these bridges connect places, carry people, and sometimes even carry water like giant pipes. They are important parts of Spain's history and its daily life. Let's explore some of the most interesting bridges you can find across the country.

Old and Important Bridges
Cool and Modern Bridges
Big Road and Railway Bridges
Images for kids
See also

Old and Important Bridges

Spain has some incredibly old bridges that tell stories of ancient times. Many of these were built by the Romans, who were master builders!

Roman bridge of Córdoba: This bridge is super old, built around 100 BC! It's 247 meters long and has 16 arches. Imagine walking on a bridge that's over 2,100 years old! It crosses the Guadalquivir River and is now a footbridge, meaning only people can walk on it.
Aqueduct of Segovia: This isn't just a bridge; it's an aqueduct, which means it was built to carry water! It's a World Heritage Site (1985), built around 80 AD. It's 823 meters long and has two levels of arches, built with dry stone – no cement! It's a true ancient wonder.
Alcántara Bridge: Built in 106 AD, this bridge was once the tallest in the world! It's 194 meters long and crosses the Tagus River. It has six huge arches, and some are 28.8 meters wide! It's still used as a road bridge today.
Puente Romano, Mérida: This is one of the longest Roman bridges still standing from ancient times, at 721 meters long with 60 arches! It was built in the 2nd century and crosses the Guadiana River. It's now a footbridge, part of another World Heritage Site (1993).
Pont del Diable (Martorell): Also known as the "Devil's Bridge," this medieval bridge was built in 1289. It's 130 meters long with two large arches, crossing the Llobregat River. It's a beautiful example of old bridge building.
Puente de San Martín (Toledo): This bridge in Toledo, built in the 14th century, is famous for its five arches and a cool bridge castle! It's a footbridge over the Tagus River and offers amazing views of the city.
Vizcaya Bridge: This is a very special bridge, opened in 1893. It's the oldest known transporter bridge in the world! Instead of cars driving across, a hanging gondola carries cars and people across the Nervión River. It's a World Heritage Site (2006) and a true engineering marvel.
Golbardo Arch Bridge: Built in 1903, this was the first bridge in Spain made of reinforced concrete with a span longer than 10 meters. It's 30 meters long and crosses the Saja River.

Cool and Modern Bridges

Spain also has many bridges that are famous for their unique and modern designs. These bridges are like works of art!

Puente de La Salve (Bilbao): Opened in 1972, this bridge is known for its artistic design by Daniel Buren. It's a cable-stayed bridge, meaning it has cables supporting the bridge deck from tall towers. It crosses the Estuary of Bilbao.
Zubizuri (Bilbao): Designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, this footbridge opened in 1997. It's an arch bridge made of steel, 75 meters long, and crosses the Nervión River. It's known for its curved glass walkway.
Puente del Milenio (Ourense): This cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2001, is 275 meters long and crosses the Minho River. It has inclined concrete towers, making it look very striking.
Bridge Pavilion (Zaragoza): Designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, this bridge opened in 2008. It's a covered footbridge, 260 meters long, and crosses the Ebro River. It's not just a bridge; it's also a building!
Currents Bridge (Pontevedra): This modern arch bridge, opened in 2012, is 138 meters long and crosses the Lérez River. Its steel tied-arch design makes it look very sleek.

Big Road and Railway Bridges

Spain has many large bridges and viaducts (bridges that cross valleys or ravines) that are important for roads and railways, helping people travel across the country. Here are some of the biggest ones:

La Pepa Bridge (Cádiz): This is one of Spain's longest bridges, opened in 2015. It's a huge cable-stayed bridge, 3,092 meters long, with a main span of 540 meters! It carries the Autovía CA-35 across the Bay of Cádiz.
Engineer Carlos Fernández Casado Bridge: Opened in 1983, this cable-stayed bridge is 643 meters long with a main span of 440 meters. It carries the Autovía AP-66 over the Barrios de Luna Reservoir.
Rande Bridge: This cable-stayed bridge, opened in 1981, is 1,554 meters long with a main span of 400 meters. It carries the Autopista AP-9 across the Ria de Vigo.
Almonte River Viaduct: This impressive arch bridge, opened in 2016, is 996 meters long with a main arch span of 384 meters! It carries the Lisbon–Madrid high-speed rail line over the Almonte River.
Guadiana International Bridge: This bridge connects Spain and Portugal, crossing the Guadiana River. It's a cable-stayed bridge, 666 meters long, with a main span of 324 meters.
Tagus River Viaduct: Another massive arch bridge for the Lisbon–Madrid high-speed rail line, opened in 2016. It's 1,488 meters long with a main arch span of 324 meters, crossing the Tagus River.
Castilla-La Mancha Bridge (Talavera de la Reina): This cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2011, is 729 meters long with a main span of 318 meters. It has a unique inclined concrete pylon.
Centenario Bridge (Seville): Opened in 1991, this cable-stayed bridge is 2,016 meters long with a main span of 265 meters. It's part of the Seville ring road, crossing the Guadalquivir River.
Alamillo Bridge (Seville): Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this cable-stayed bridge opened in 1992. It's 250 meters long with a main span of 200 meters. It's famous for its single, leaning pylon that supports the entire bridge.