The history of Valencia in 18 bridges
Only in Valencia can you find a river turned into a garden, and 18 bridges that no longer carry a current. The Turia Garden, which covers the old riverbed, is a unique space for many reasons, including the bridges that cross it.
Some are historic bridges that crossed the Turia River when it still ran through the city. Others have been added progressively to connect the neighborhoods on both sides. Together, they display a great variety of styles and allow you to take a journey through the city's history.
Why visit the bridges of the Turia Garden
- A walk through the Turia Garden, crossing several of them, is a must-do when visiting Valencia
- They mark the access to historic monuments such as the Serranos Towers or the old Royal Palace
- To admire different architectural styles, from Gothic to the modern bridges of Santiago Calatrava
- To take the most colorful selfies on the Flower Bridge (Puente de las Flores)
What to see at the Turia Garden bridges
Each bridge has its own style and history. These are some of the most notable:
Historic bridges
Of the five bridges considered historic, the Trinidad Bridge, built in 1407 in the Gothic style, is the oldest. The Sea Bridge (Puente del Mar) is recognizable by the staircases that descend into the garden; the Serranos Bridge, by the ramps used by horse-drawn carriages. Both date back to the 16th century, like the Royal Bridge (Puente del Real), which provided access to the old Royal Palace. The Saint Joseph Bridge (Puente de San José), from the 17th century, honors the patron saint of carpenters with a statue, in whose honor the Fallas festival is celebrated.
The Calatrava bridges
Santiago Calatrava has designed several bridges for his hometown. The first was the 9 d'Octubre Bridge, from 1988. The Exhibition Bridge (Puente de la Exposición, nicknamed "the comb") and the l'Assut de l'Or Bridge (harp-shaped) are the most iconic.
The most colorful bridge
Crossing the pedestrian Flower Bridge (Puente de las Flores), or simply strolling along it aimlessly, is an absolute delight. Thousands of brightly colored flowers flank it at any time of the year, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.
The guardians of the bridge
Four impressive winged demons mark the entrance to the Kingdom Bridge (Puente del Reino) on both sides. Although they look like Gothic gargoyles, they were designed by sculptor Joan Martí in the 20th century.
