Puente de San Martin (San Martin Bridge), Toledo
The San Martin Bridge is a remarkable medieval bridge that crosses the Tagus river in Toledo. Constructed in the late 14th century, the bridge was designed by the Archbishop Pedro Tenorio to provide access to the old town from the west, as a complement to the older Puente de Alcantara, which linked to the east.
One of the notable features of the Puente de San Martin is its five arches, with the largest in the middle having a span of 40 meters, which was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time of its construction. In fact, only a few bridges in the world were that long at that time. The bridge was heavily fortified with towers on both sides, with the more recent dating from the 16th century.
A legend surrounding the bridge says that the architect who designed it had made a perilous miscalculation, which would have caused the bridge to collapse once its supports were removed. The story goes that the architect's wife, fearing disgrace for her husband, secretly set fire to the bridge the night before its inauguration, causing it to burn down. The bridge was then rebuilt without the original structural miscalculations, and it stands today as a testament to medieval engineering and architecture.
Visitors to the Puente de San Martin can walk across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the Tagus river and the city of Toledo. The bridge is an iconic symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage, and it remains an important landmark for both locals and tourists alike.
One of the notable features of the Puente de San Martin is its five arches, with the largest in the middle having a span of 40 meters, which was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time of its construction. In fact, only a few bridges in the world were that long at that time. The bridge was heavily fortified with towers on both sides, with the more recent dating from the 16th century.
A legend surrounding the bridge says that the architect who designed it had made a perilous miscalculation, which would have caused the bridge to collapse once its supports were removed. The story goes that the architect's wife, fearing disgrace for her husband, secretly set fire to the bridge the night before its inauguration, causing it to burn down. The bridge was then rebuilt without the original structural miscalculations, and it stands today as a testament to medieval engineering and architecture.
Visitors to the Puente de San Martin can walk across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the Tagus river and the city of Toledo. The bridge is an iconic symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage, and it remains an important landmark for both locals and tourists alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toledo. 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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Puente de San Martin (San Martin Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Puente de San Martin (San Martin Bridge)
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toledo, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Toledo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toledo 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.
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El Greco was born in Crete, Greece, and studied painting in Italy. In 1577, he... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
El Greco was born in Crete, Greece, and studied painting in Italy. In 1577, he... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Toledo's soaring walls were first built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and then further expanded, over the following... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Toledo's soaring walls were first built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and then further expanded, over the following... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Toledo Introduction Walking Tour
Located on the banks of the Tagus River in Spain, Toledo is called the "City of the Three Cultures." The cultures would be Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. They didn't always get along, but each has left its mark. Romans visited the area as early as 193 BC. Roman historian Livy referred to the city as "a small city, but fortified by location."
In 546, the early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In 546, the early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles