Pont del Bisbe (Bishop's Bridge), Barcelona
Despite its medieval, centuries-old appearance, Bishop's Bridge is a modern addition to the Gothic Quarter. Constructed in 1928 on the narrow street bearing the same name, the bridge seamlessly blends with the prevalent architectural style of the Gothic Quarter. It was designed by Catalan architect Joan Rubi贸 during his tenure as the official architect of Barcelona in the 1920s.
The neo-Gothic marvel showcases striking architectural elements, such as arched windows, columns, gargoyles, and elaborate stone tracery, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. The idea of the bridge connecting the Palace of the Generalitat to the Canons House on the opposite side of the street was inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Joan Rubi贸, a keen disciple of Antoni Gaud铆, had previously worked with the master until 1905. He took part in several iconic projects such as the Sagrada Fam铆lia, the Batll贸 House, and Park G眉ell. Rubi贸's broader vision to remodel the Gothic Quarter in a neo-Gothic style for the 1929 International Exposition was ultimately rejected by the Barcelona City Council, limiting his influence to this single structure.
A notable feature of the bridge is an eerie skull with a dagger pierced through it, positioned at the bottom of the structure. This grim decoration, added by Rubi贸 in defiance of the council's rejections, has birthed various urban legends. One such myth suggests that Barcelona will fall if the dagger is removed, whereas the other claims that walking backward while looking at the skull grants the viewer a wish. These legends add an element of mystique and allure to the bridge, enhancing its appeal as a curiosity worth visiting in Barcelona.
Tip:
For the best photo opportunities, visit the bridge in the morning or late afternoon when the lighting conditions are favorable.
The neo-Gothic marvel showcases striking architectural elements, such as arched windows, columns, gargoyles, and elaborate stone tracery, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. The idea of the bridge connecting the Palace of the Generalitat to the Canons House on the opposite side of the street was inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Joan Rubi贸, a keen disciple of Antoni Gaud铆, had previously worked with the master until 1905. He took part in several iconic projects such as the Sagrada Fam铆lia, the Batll贸 House, and Park G眉ell. Rubi贸's broader vision to remodel the Gothic Quarter in a neo-Gothic style for the 1929 International Exposition was ultimately rejected by the Barcelona City Council, limiting his influence to this single structure.
A notable feature of the bridge is an eerie skull with a dagger pierced through it, positioned at the bottom of the structure. This grim decoration, added by Rubi贸 in defiance of the council's rejections, has birthed various urban legends. One such myth suggests that Barcelona will fall if the dagger is removed, whereas the other claims that walking backward while looking at the skull grants the viewer a wish. These legends add an element of mystique and allure to the bridge, enhancing its appeal as a curiosity worth visiting in Barcelona.
Tip:
For the best photo opportunities, visit the bridge in the morning or late afternoon when the lighting conditions are favorable.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Pont del Bisbe (Bishop's Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Pont del Bisbe (Bishop's Bridge)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Montjuic Walking Tour
Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
A walk through the Gothic Quarter 鈥� Barcelona鈥檚 oldest part, dating from the Roman era 鈥� is like a journey through time. The typical Roman grid plan is still visible in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there is little in the way of enjoying the narrow, atmospheric streets filled with high-quality architecture, numerous boutiques, and coffee shops.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour
Pablo Picasso 鈥� the great Spanish painter and sculptor 鈥� developed his style in Barcelona where he spent the formative years of his life, from the ages of 14 to 23. It is said that when the master spoke nostalgically of home, he actually meant the Catalonian capital, despite having been born in Malaga.
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Antoni Gaud铆's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Antoni Gaudi, a seminal figure in the Catalan Modernism movement, is one of the top architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms in his works stand out from the pack and have left an indelible mark on the face of Barcelona.
Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the G眉ell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the G眉ell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour
No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain鈥檚 best food 鈥� Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk
A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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