Old Bridge: history, facts and how to visit

A single-arch bridge, between the Church of Padre Jesús and the Arch of Philip V, that linked the Ciudad with the Mercadillo before the New Bridge existed.

History and what to see

Before the New Bridge was built, this was for centuries the main crossing between the Ciudad (the walled, Muslim-origin quarter) and the Mercadillo, on the other side of the gorge. Historians disagree on its origin: some consider it Roman in root, later rebuilt by the Berbers, though most attribute it directly to the Berber period, with improvements already under the reign of Muhammad III of Granada. It has a single arch, 10 metres in diameter, rising 31 metres above the river. After the Christian conquest, in 1486 the king ordered the alcaide Juan de Torres to repair it, and in 1616 a flood destroyed it completely, with it being rebuilt under the corregidor Juan Antonio Turubio de Quiñones. In a more recent restoration, the 17th-century parapets that blocked the views were removed, the surface was repaved, and four balconies over the river were opened up. It sits right between the Church of Padre Jesús and the Arch of Philip V, also a stone's throw from the Tanneries Bridge.

Interesting facts

Before the New Bridge, it was for centuries the main crossing between the Ciudad and the Mercadillo.
Historians disagree on its origin: Roman roots later rebuilt by the Berbers, or directly Berber, with improvements under Muhammad III of Granada.
It has a single arch, 10 metres in diameter, rising 31 metres above the river.
A flood completely destroyed it in 1616; it was rebuilt under the corregidor Juan Antonio Turubio de Quiñones.
Its most recent restoration opened up four balconies over the river, previously blocked by 17th-century parapets.

Getting there and accessibility

Getting there: Between the Church of Padre Jesús and the Arch of Philip V, in the Padre Jesús neighbourhood.

Accessibility: Accessible

Opening hours, prices and access conditions change over time: check the official sources for each place before you go.

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What to see nearby

Arch of Philip V
Baroque gateway marking the entrance to the walled city from the Old Bridge.
Arab Baths
The best-preserved Arab baths in the whole Iberian Peninsula.
Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)
Ronda's iconic landmark: 98 metres above the Tajo gorge.