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Bridge · Carmelo, Colônia
Puente Giratorio
A 1912 iron bridge over the Arroyo de las Vacas, considered the first swing bridge in South America. The central span rotates by human power to let boats pass. It is a National Historic Monument.
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 Giratorio
The Puente Giratorio de Carmelo crosses the Arroyo de las Vacas near its mouth, at the town's entrance. It was inaugurated on 1 May 1912 and measures 88 metres in length. The iron parts were manufactured in Germany and assembled on site under the supervision of engineers Juan T. Smith and Eduardo Chiappori.
The central span rests on a stone pier and rotates on it, powered by human traction, to allow vessels travelling up the arroyo to pass. It is considered the first swing bridge in South America and the only one of its kind in Uruguay. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1994.
The bridge links the centre to the opposite bank of the arroyo. Heavy through traffic uses a newer bridge upstream, leaving the swing bridge for local traffic.
Along the arroyo runs the Rambla de los Constituyentes, opened in 1930, with the rowing club and moored boats. It is one of Carmelo's most pleasant walks.
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
From 30 minutes to an hour, including the walk across and along the arroyo bank.
Best time
At dusk, when the low light illuminates the structure and the boats return to the arroyo. The bridge's rotation depends on vessel traffic and has no set schedule.
How to get there
It is a few blocks from Plaza Independencia, at the southern end of Carmelo's centre. From the centre it's walkable; by car, the bridge is part of the access to the town.
Tip
Cross the bridge on foot along the side and walk the Rambla de los Constituyentes by the rowing club. Seeing the bridge rotate is a matter of luck: it depends on a boat passing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puente Giratorio
Does the ponte de Carmelo still rotate?
Yes. The central span turns by human power when it's necessary to allow vessels to pass on the Arroyo de las Vacas. There is no fixed time for the turn.
When was the swing bridge built?
It was inaugurated on May 1, 1912, with parts manufactured in Germany. It has been a National Historic Monument since 1994.
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
Yes. Crossing on foot lets you see the structure up close and continue along the arroyo's bank.
Why is the bridge famous?
It is considered the first swing bridge in South America and the only one in Uruguay powered by human traction.