Puente de la Culebra is a singular construction located in Madrid and it attracts the attention of passers-by due to its winding and twisting shaped structure. In Estate One, we are very fond of originality and whenever we find an element in Madrid which stands out and breaks with conventional construction, it does not go unnoticed.

How many bridges are there in Madrid? It is impossible to calculate the number! However, if we are only interested in beautiful and architectonically attractive bridges, then we can narrow down the search. Furthermore, we may even delimit it further if we ask ourselves about the number of winding-shaped bridges in Madrid. If this is the case, then there is only one answer: Puente de la Culebra. This odd and curious bridge strikes us due to its winding and twisting shape. Today, we have chosen this element for our section Madrid Corners. Previously, we wrote about Estufa Fría.

A UNIQUE-SHAPED BRIDGE

Puente de la Culebra is located in Parque de la Casa de Campo, near the area of Campamento. It is used for crossing Arroyo de Meaques which is next to Fuente del Zarzón. It was named thus because of its curved shape. It was built in 1782 by the Italian architect Francesco Sabatini during the reign of Carlos III. Sabatini built four other bridges for crossing Arroyo de Meaques but unfortunately, only two have been preserved.

Originally, this bridge was called Puente Estrecho ( Narrow Bridge ), and the architect followed his own ornamental and artistic taste when he made the plans. It has a Baroque decorating style as was the Italian fashion of the time. We must highlight the granite railings which have ten decorative pinnacles. The base of the construction with brick-lined arches attracts our attention. It is interesting to point out that the shape itself of the bridge is purelly decorative whereas there is a reason for the narrowness in its design. This deliberate narrowness was to prevent carriages from crossing the bridge.

Puente de la Culebra is not very well-known in Madrid, however, we think it is worthwhile visiting as its unique shape will make you experience something different. How many curved-shaped bridges have you crossed? Moreover, this striking bridge is located in a very picturesque part of Casa de Campo as it links two banks of Estanque Chico (Small Pond). Thanks to this bridge, you are able to see and enjoy the fauna which inhabits there, such as ducks, tortoises and different kinds of birds. You can watch a short video about Puente de la Culebra:

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

In 2003, some thieves stole the ten decorative pinnacles which decorated Puente de la Culebra. Unfortunately, only three of them were recovered. This theft brought about its restoration which was carried out by the City Hall only a year later. True copies were made of the seven pinnacles which were never recovered.

Picture 01: Justraveling

Picture 02: Santiago López-Pastor

Picture 03: Edescas