Roman bridge of Córdoba
The Roman bridge of Córdoba is a bridge in Córdoba, Andalusia, southern Spain, built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river.
It is included in the small preserved area known as Sotos de la Albolafia.
History
The bridge was built by the Romans in the eary 1st century BC, perhaps replacing a previous one in wood. It currently has 16 arcades, one less than original ones, and a total length of 247 meters. The width is around 9 meters.
The Via Augusta, which connected Rome to Cádiz, most likely passed through it. During the Islamic domination, in the Middle Ages, the Calahorra Tower and the Puerta del Puente were built at the bridge's southern and northern ends, respectively (the latter is now a 16th century reconstruction). In the 17th century, a sculpture depicting St. Raphael was put in the mid of the bridge, executed by Bernabé Gómez del Río.
During its history, the bridge was restored and renovated several times (in particular in the 10th century), and now only the 14th and 15th arches (counting form the Puerta del Puente) are original. It was extensively restored in 2006.