The Alcantara Bridge or Puente de Alcantara in Toledo, Spain.

The Alcantara Bridge in Toledo, Spain, is one of the main access points into the city. It consists out of two Roman arches and spans the Tagus River. They call the Alcantara Bridge, Puente de Alcántara. The word comes from Arabic (al-qanţarah), which means “bridge”.

Romans built this impressive bridge when they founded the city. It is located at the feet of the beautiful Castillo de San Servando. In the Middle Ages, this bridge was one of the few entrances into the city. It was obligatory for all pilgrims to enter through this bridge. The other important bridge is the San Martin Bridge. It has 5 Roman arches. Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit this bridge.

Roman emperor Trajan, ordered for the bridge to be built between 104 AD and 106 AD.

Alcantara Bridge, damaged and rebuilt.

Many bridges and buildings suffer damages over the years. This could be due to war or neglect. The Alcantara bridge is no exception. It currently has two arches but it did have three at one stage. Under the reign of Alfonso X of Castile, it suffered serious damage and was rebuilt in the 10th century. Over the centuries it was repaired on a number of occasions.

In 1836 it was almost completely destroyed. Rebuilding started in 1860, using mortared masonry. In 1969 they repaired the main pillars completely. Interesting to know that the pillars are 181.7 meters in length.

The third Roman arch disappeared and a gate with a horseshoe arch replaced it. It is not very clear when you look at the photos but the gate is definitely there. Plants and trees covered it.

Western tower and Alcazar de Toledo — © Nelieta | The Western Tower at the Alcantara Bridge. The Horseshoe arch cannot be seen.

The bridge has two towers. One to the west and another to the east. A Baroque triumphal arch replaced the eastern tower in 1721. They built it because the bridge looked like a ruin.

Baroque triumphal arch on Alcantara Bridge — © Nelieta | The Baroque triumphal arch.

The western tower built but later decorated under the reign of the Catholic Monarchs is impressive. Visible in the background is the Alcazar de Toledo – a 16th-century building. Formerly, a fortified royal palace and now a military museum.

Alcantara Bridge is a national cultural monument.

In 1921 they declared it a national and cultural monument. This bridge should not be confused with the Alcántara Bridge in Alcántara or the Alconétar Bridge in the Extremadura region. Both are Roman Bridges that are further downstream.