Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), Ronda (must see)

The New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) could be called Second Bridge (Puente Segundo), as it is the second span over the river gorge at that spot. The first attempt was the work of architects Jose Garcia and Juan Camacho in 1735. The bridge had a single-arch design. It was put together rather quickly and not well. It collapsed in 1741, killing 50 people.

The New Bridge of today is the largest and newest of the three bridges spanning the chasm of the River Guadalevin. It was completed in 1793 by Andalucian architect Jose Martin de Aldehuela, replacing the earlier attempt of Garcia and Camacho. The high central arch is flanked by two smaller, shorter arches.

The chamber above the central arch has seen several uses, including that of a prison and torture chamber. It was used as such by both sides in the civil war of 1936-1939. More than a few prisoners are said to have met death on the rocks of Ronda Gorge (El Tajo de Ronda). The chamber guardhouse today has exhibits on the history and construction of the bridge.

The project of spanning Ronda Gorge was first suggested by King Philip V in 1735. The intention was to supplement the 16th-century bridge, now called the Old Bridge (Puente Viejo), and the 12th-century Moorish bridge next to the Arab Baths. The New Bridge spans Ronda Gorge at its highest point. There are sidewalks and seating on each side of the bridge.

The New Bridge connects the parts of the city, Little Market (El Mercadillo) and the Old City (La Ciudad). The bridge chamber is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. On Saturdays, hours are 10 am to 1:45 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm. Sunday times are 10 am to 3 pm. There is a modest admission fee.