Archbishop Pedro Tenorio rebuilt this bridge (14th century) photo by José Luis Filpo Cabana Wikimedia

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about San Martin’s Bridge


 

Toledo, Spain’s Puente de San Martin spans the Tagus River in the Middle Ages. It is known in English as St. Martin’s Bridge. The Puente de San Martin has five arches, the longest of which spans 40 meters in the middle. At the time of its construction, there were incredibly few bridges in the world that were so long.

In order to supplement the earlier Puente de Alcántara connecting to the east, archbishop Pedro Tenorio built the bridge in the late 14th century to allow access to the old town from the west. The towers on either side of the bridge, the more recent ones from the 16th century, were fiercely reinforced.

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Here are the Top 10 Remarkable Facts about San Martin’s Bridge

1. The bridge was constructed in the final decades of the 14th century

Bridge of San Martín, Toledo, Spain. photo by Dan Vaquerizo Molina Wikimedia

An order from Archbishop Pedro Tenorio led to the construction of the Puente de San Martin in 1380, which added a western entrance to the old town to the earlier Puente de Alcantara crossing to the east. 88.5 feet high and 131 feet broad make up the central bridge.

At either end are large towers with battlements. These gave the west side of the town protection against water intrusions. The medieval bridge spans the River Tagus, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, which flows 1,007 kilometers from its source in the Montes Universales to Lisbon before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

2. The Bridge was appropriately built by Ildefonus 

According to tradition, Ildefonsus, the Metropolitan Bishop of Toledo, asked for a seat when the bridge first opened. When the architect inspected the bridge the day before it was inaugurated, he was shocked to see that he had made a potentially fatal error in judgment: the bridge would fall apart if its supports were removed. When he got home, he told his wife that if the bridge fell while he was on it, he would seem foolish.

In order to ensure that the bridge would fall that night as he slept, his wife snuck over to it and ignited a fire. The following day’s storm, according to Toledo residents, was believed to have destroyed the bridge. She felt relieved when the bridge was rebuilt without the original structural flaws.

3. A stone sculpture has been embedded in the keystone of the bridge’s central section

Some residents think that this sculpture is a tribute to the architect’s wife. Some believe it demonstrates the archbishop who placed the bridge order. This was after his wife snuck over to it and ignited a fire. The following day’s storm, according to Toledo residents, was believed to have destroyed the bridge. She felt relieved when the bridge was rebuilt without the original structural flaws.

4. On the San Martin’s bridge Automobiles are not allowed 

Concerning granting traffic priority, you need not worry. As you casually stroll over the bridge, take in the sights of the river and the edge of the city. Stop to take photos at the most picturesque spots. From the San Martin Bridge, you can see the entire city’s picturesque surroundings.

Toledo’s splendor is most noticeable around dusk and sunset when it can be seen from a distance. Toledo’s main square, Plaza de Zocodover, can be reached on foot in less than 20 minutes from this location. Several coffee shops with refreshments may be located on the opposite bank of the river. A Zipline that provides a great experience is located in Toledo, close to the St. Martin Bridge.

5. The Five Arches of the bridge have the largest span of 40 meters in the Middle

Toledo, Spain has a historic bridge that spans the Tagus River called the Puente de San Martin, or St. Martin’s Bridge. The Puente de San Martn has five arches, the longest of which spans 40 meters in the middle. At the time of its construction, there were incredibly few bridges in the world that were so long. In order to supplement the earlier Puente de Alcántara connecting to the east, archbishop Pedro Tenorio built the bridge in the late 14th century to allow access to the old town from the west. The towers on either side of the bridge, the more recent ones from the 16th century, were fiercely reinforced.

6. In the Early 13th century the original bridge was constructed but later was demolished in 1355

Archbishop Pedro Tenorio rebuilt this bridge (14th century) photo by
José Luis Filpo Cabana Wikimedia 

The first bridge over this location was built in the 13th century, but Pedro I of Castile destroyed it in 1355. Peter, often referred to as the Cruel or the Just and born on August 30, 1334, and died on March 23, 1369, ruled over Castile and León from 1350 to 1369. Peter was the final king of the main branch of the House of Ivrea. He was excommunicated by Pope Urban V as a result of his mistreatment and persecution of the clergy.

7. San Martin’s bridge was declared a National Monument in 1921

Due to its age and importance in Toledo’s history, the bridge was named a national monument. It was built largely to transport big, heavy stones from quarries in the west for use in Toledo’s important structures as the second of only two bridges that allowed access to the fortress Toledo.

8. The Gothic-Style Bridge has five Arches

Five arches make up the bridge, the longest of which is almost 40 meters long, making it one of the largest at the time. Additionally, it has two defended towers at either end. The city’s entrance is defended by a huge imperial coat of arms featuring the proper sitting rulers.

The inside tower has undergone major changes as a result of later additions and renovations performed during the reign of Carlos II, while the outside tower still preserves its ribbed vaulting and peacock and horseshoe arches. An impressive engineering feat at the time was the San Martin Bridge.

9. It bears its name in the Honor of San Martin

The San Martin Bridge’s name is derived from San Martin, a local church and the patron saint of soldiers. He is honored as the patron saint of people of mixed racial backgrounds, social justice, and peace.

10. It was built as a backup for the earlier Puente de Alcantara Bridge towards the east

Bridge of San Martín, Toledo, Spain. photo by Dan Vaquerizo Molina   Wikimedia

The Puente de Alcantara, a Roman-style arch bridge, spans the Tagus River in Toledo, Spain. It is located at the foot of the Castillo of San Servando and was built by the Romans when they founded the city. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was one of the few pilgrim entrances to the city.

Currently, there are two arches. There is evidence that it was constructed during the Roman era, which is also when Toletum was first founded. When it was demolished and rebuilt in the 10th century, a third arch vanished and was replaced by a gate with a horseshoe arch. It was one of the few bridges in the Middle Ages that allowed access to the city and was necessary for all pilgrims to cross. During Alfonso X of Castile’s reign, there was extensive destruction and rebuilding.

The western tower, which was later adorned during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, whose arms are exhibited on its walls, serves as a representation of this period. They don’t have a pomegranate, which is Granada’s emblem, because the Reconquista was still going on at the time. The baroque triumphal arch was created in 1721 to replace the eastern tower’s dilapidated structure. A national cultural monument designation was given to it in 1921.

Other Roman structures that cross the River Tagus farther downriver include the Alcántara Bridge at Alcántara and the Alconétar Bridge in the Extremadura region.

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