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Bridge · Toledo, Castela-Mancha
Puente de Alcántara
Bridge of Roman origin over the Tagus at the eastern entrance to the city, at the foot of the Castillo de San Servando. It has a tower with the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs and a Baroque arch from 1721.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Puente de Alcántara
The name comes from the Arabic al-qantara, which means 'the bridge'. There are records of it since Roman times, when the city was called Toletum. Heavily damaged, it was rebuilt in the 10th century, when it lost one of its three arches.
During the reign of Alfonso X the bridge suffered damage again and was rebuilt. From that phase comes the tower on the city side, later decorated in the time of the Catholic Monarchs with their coats of arms. The shields lack the pomegranate, symbol of Granada, because the city had not yet been conquered.
The tower on the other side, in ruins, was replaced in 1721 by a Baroque arch. During the Middle Ages this was the mandatory entrance for those arriving in Toledo from the east, and many pilgrims passed through it.
The bridge is about 83 metres long and today is pedestrian only. On the far side of the river, on the hill, stands the Castillo de San Servando, a medieval fortress that defended the crossing.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes.
Best time
In the morning, with the eastern sun lighting the bridge and the Alcázar. At night the bridge is usually illuminated.
How to get there
It is about a ten-minute walk from Plaza de Zocodover, descending toward the river on the east side, below the Alcázar. From the train station, it is the natural route to enter the city on foot.
Tip
Those arriving by train who walk to the centre cross the Tagus by this bridge. After it the climb up to Zocodover is steep; with luggage, prefer the city bus or a taxi.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puente de Alcántara
Is the Puente de Alcántara Roman?
Its origin is Roman, but the bridge was rebuilt in the 10th century and again during the reign of Alfonso X. The Baroque arch on the east side dates from 1721.
What does Alcántara mean?
It comes from the Arabic al-qantara, which means 'the bridge'.
Can you walk from the train station to the center via the bridge?
Yes. The route is about 2 km and ends with a steep climb up to the Plaza de Zocodover.