Puente de Piedra (Zaragoza)
AragĂłn
Puente de Piedra, also known as the Bridge of Lions, is a monumental stone bridge crossing the Ebro River in Zaragoza, Spain. Constructed between 1401 and 1440 under the direction of Gil de Menestral, it replaced earlier Roman and medieval bridges that once stood at the site. The bridge spans approximately 225 meters with seven arches supported by uneven piers featuring tajamares to divert water. It suffered significant damage during a flood in 1643, which destroyed two central spans, later restored in 1659 by architect Felipe de Busignac who also rebuilt two medieval towers and expanded the piers. The bridge was further reinforced in the late 18th century to protect against flooding. In 1991, four bronze lion statues, symbols of Zaragoza designed by Francisco Rallo Lahoz, were added at each end, giving the bridge its popular name. Historically vital for regional communication and economic development, Puente de Piedra remains one of Zaragoza's most distinctive landmarks, blending medieval architecture with later enhancements and cultural symbolism.
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Tip: The best time to visit Puente de Piedra is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the Ebro River views are especially scenic. Visitors are encouraged to explore the bridge on foot to appreciate its architectural details and the lion sculptures up close. While there is no entrance fee, purchasing tickets in advance is not necessary as the bridge is publicly accessible. Evening visits offer illuminated views of the bridge and river, enhancing photographic opportunities. Nearby amenities and tourist information centers in Zaragoza provide additional guidance for visitors.
Interesting facts
- •The bridge is also called the Bridge of Lions due to four bronze lion statues added in 1991, designed by Francisco Rallo Lahoz.
- •The flood of 1643 destroyed two central spans of the bridge, an event depicted in a 1647 painting by Juan Bautista MartĂnez del Mazo.
- •The stone for the bridge was quarried from the Monte de Burrén near Fréscano and Bisimbre.
- •The original medieval towers flanking the bridge were demolished in 1906.
- •The bridge is part of a monumental ensemble with the Pretil de San Lázaro, a flood defense wall built in the late 18th century.
- •A commemorative monument called the Pairón was erected in 2013 at the bridge's northern end to honor the bicentennial of Zaragoza's liberation.
History
The site of Puente de Piedra has hosted bridges since Roman times, with the earliest known Roman bridge destroyed around 827-828 and rebuilt in 839.
The current stone bridge was constructed from 1401 to 1440.
A devastating flood in 1643 destroyed two central arches, documented in a 1647 painting by Juan Bautista MartĂnez del Mazo.
The bridge was repaired and modified in 1659 by Felipe de Busignac, who reinforced piers and towers.
In the late 18th century, architect AgustĂn Sanz built flood defenses near the bridge.
The original medieval towers were demolished in 1906.
The addition of bronze lion statues in 1991 modernized the bridge's appearance while honoring Zaragoza's heritage.
Place Guide
Bridge Arches and Piers15th century
The bridge consists of seven stone arches varying between 14 and 32 meters in span, supported by uneven piers equipped with tajamares to divert river water and protect the structure from floods.
Lion Statues1991
Four bronze lions placed at each end of the bridge in 1991, symbolizing the city of Zaragoza and designed by sculptor Francisco Rallo Lahoz. These statues give the bridge its popular name, the Bridge of Lions.
Pretil de San Lázaro (Flood Defense Wall)1789
A monumental stone wall built in the late 18th century along the riverbank to protect Zaragoza from Ebro River floods, connecting the bridge to the Convent of San Lázaro.
Cruz de Basilio Monument19th century
A stone cross on the bridge commemorating the martyrdom of Basilio Boggiero and other historical figures during the sieges of Zaragoza in 1808-1809, designed by architect Ricardo Magdalena.
PairĂłn del Puente de Piedra2013
A monument erected in 2013 at the northern end of the bridge to commemorate the bicentennial of Zaragoza's liberation from French occupation, featuring Mudejar-inspired star motifs and crafted by local artists and artisans.
