THE NEW BRIDGE RONDA

This bridge was constructed in the second half of the 18th Century. There was a first project undertaken in 1735 but that one collapsed only six years after its contruction. The new bridge was started towards 1751 with work being finished in 1973. the project was directed in its final stages by Jose Martin Aldehuela, an architect from Aragón. With this magnum opus he managed to unite the city with the market-place over the deppest part of the Tajo.

Its foundations are sunk into the rock at the bottom of the gorge and its structure of stone mansory widens as it rises, following the contours of the rock walls, forming a wedge that fills the entire gap.

Its first , or lowest, section, that serves as a base with its corresponding facia, consits of an arch above which rises another arch three times greater in height. On top of this begins a third section, of much greater width, that is divided into three parts of which the central one is closed, being occupied by a vaulted chamber boasting a balcony on each side of the bridge. In the present day this chamber is occupied by an information centre giving details of the bridge´s construction.

The sides of this chamber are occupied by two arches supporting the street-crossing. Its sides are closed by parapet wallof the same stone mansory, with eight apertures and balconies.

This is, without doubt, the true symbol of the city of Ronda.