The famous bridge in Ronda, Spain, is arguably the town’s main tourist attraction.
And as the postcard for tourism, we totally understand why an uninformed visitor might skip right over a stop at the bridge in Ronda while exploring Spain. It seems every medieval town in Europe has some notable bridge, wall, or castle to gawk at.
But the Puente Nuevo is gorgeous—and not just because it connects Ronda’s gorge-split city.
Look deeper into the history of this famous bridge in Ronda and it tells a story of growth, loss, and perseverance in finding a way to keep the town united both literally and figuratively.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sean Pavone. Image Location: Ronda, Spain
Puente Nuevo: The famous bridge in Ronda, Spain
What is the famous bridge in South Spain?
The famous bridge in South Spain is the Puente Nuevo. It’s located in the town of Ronda, roughly 60-miles inland of Málaga. The bridge connects the two sides of Ronda separated by the El Tajo Gorge.
What is the famous bridge town in Spain?
The famous bridge town in Spain is Ronda, home to the Puente Nuevo, Puente Viejo, and Puente Romano bridges. Ronda is located between the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, just an hour north of Marbella.
Why is the Puente Nuevo bridge famous?
The Puente Nuevo bridge is noteworthy alone for its beautiful stone setting above the Guadalevín River. Ronda’s New Bridge deserves its top spot on the local postcards, though its history tells of a less-than-picturesque story. Initial bridge construction was attempted in 1735, but it collapsed a few years later with deaths in the double-digits. A second attempt used a completely different design in 1759. The Puente Nuevo was finally completed in 1793.
Who built the bridge in Ronda Spain?
Building the New Bridge in Ronda, Spain, was a multi-decade effort first initiated by architect Domingo Lois de Monteagudo. Construction was under his watch until 1778 when Andalucian architect José Martin de Aldehuela took over until the bridge was completed.
Can you walk across the Ronda Spain bridge?
Yes, you can freely walk across the bridge in Ronda Spain: after all, it’s the way to get from the Ronda train station into the Old Town. The Puente Nuevo bridge was built for pedestrians and carts to be able to cross the gorge as swiftly and safely as possible.
Can you walk to the bottom of the bridge in Ronda Spain?
Yes, visitors can see the gorge from all angles of the Puente Nuevo bridge, including below it. The El Tajo Gorge trail takes you from the Old Town down to the base of the bridge. Great photos of the bridge, the gorge, and waterfalls reward you for your steps.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Imgorthand. Image Location: Ronda, Spain
Visiting the bridge in Ronda, Spain
Everything you need to know to plan your trip to see the Puente Nuevo in Ronda.
- Main train station: Estación de tren Ronda
- Distance from Madrid by train: ~ 4 to 6 hours
- Distance from Málaga by train: ~ 1 to 3 hours
- Bridge location: Plaza España at the El Tajo de Ronda
- Where to stay nearby: Book a junior suite at Hotel Montelirio and gaze at the gorge.
- What to eat nearby: Tabanco Los Arcos has tapas and wine beside the Ronda bridge.
- What else to see nearby: Puente Viejo, a similar 16th century stone bridge in Ronda.
How to get to the Ronda España bridge
The train station in Ronda is just north of the Puente Nuevo bridge. Walk west down Av. Andalucía then turn south on C. Virgen de la Paz. Once you cross through the Plaza España, you’ll see the Puente Nuevo standing high above the El Tajo de Ronda gorge.
Don’t cross Ronda off of your Spain itinerary until you’ve crossed the Puente Nuevo bridge. Download the Trainline app and purchase tickets for your Spanish getaway today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Zu Sanchez Photography. Image Location: Ronda, Spain