Ronda's Puente Nuevo

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) of Ronda, Andalusia, spans the El Tajo gorge 98 metres above the Guadalevín River and is one of the most photographed single structures in Andalusia. The three-arch stone bridge was completed in 1793 after 42 years of construction; the warm pale limestone changes from cool silver in overcast light to rich amber in direct afternoon sun. As a photography subject, the bridge offers several distinct compositions unavailable at most comparable structures: the bridge deck itself provides the vertiginous downward view through the arch rails to the river 98 metres below; the Paseo de Blas Infante mirador on the opposite north rim shows the full bridge in elevation against the gorge in direct evening light; and most dramatically, the valley floor reached by the Camino de los Molinos footpath gives a worm's-eye composition with the full span and arch visible against the sheer vertical limestone cliff face above. The valley-floor position is reached by a 20-minute descent from near the Puente Viejo and provides the unique upward perspective that makes Ronda's gorge unlike any other Spanish landmark. A small interpretation centre within the bridge occupies the chamber that was historically used as a prison. Ronda's old Moorish quarter (La Ciudad) on the south side of the gorge contains the Plaza de Toros — one of the oldest bullrings in Spain — Arab baths from the 13th century, and the Mondragón Palace.