Pont dels Serrans

Pont dels Serrans is a stone bridge in Valencia, one of the enduring landmarks of the city's historic core. Spanning the former riverbed of the Turia, it links the Old Town with the districts to the north and has long served as the city's main gateway from the mountain side.

What does the bridge look like and where does its name come from?

The structure rests on nine segmental stone arches and stretches close to 160 metres in length, with a deck over 11 metres wide. Its name comes from Los Serranos, the mountainous comarca north of Valencia that the road crossing this bridge once led to. The crossing connected the city's main northern gate with the route toward Sagunto and the Maestrazgo region, making it a key link on an old trade and travel route.

What is the history behind the bridge?

The bridge's current form dates to 1518. The previous structure had been swept away by the Turia a year earlier, and that bridge had itself replaced an even older Arab-era crossing known as al-Qantara. The rebuilding was commissioned by the Fábrica Vella de Murs i Valls, the guild responsible for the city's walls and defenses, with construction carried out by Juan Bautista Corbera. Pont dels Serrans is today the oldest surviving bridge across the old Turia riverbed, and it was the second of the city's so-called historic bridges to be rebuilt in stone.

Between 2005 and 2009, the bridge underwent a thorough restoration led by architect Ignacio Bosch. The work restored the triangular parapets above the bridge's cutwaters, bringing its appearance closer to its earlier form.

Why does the bridge stand over a dry riverbed?

The Turia, which the bridge once crossed, was rerouted around the city through a diversion channel after the devastating flood of 1957. Its old course was transformed into a long municipal park, the Jardín del Turia, running for several kilometres through Valencia. As a result, Pont dels Serrans no longer spans water but stretches over this green park corridor, a view shared by all of the city's historic river bridges.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The bridge stands right next to the Torres de Serranos, a monumental Gothic city gate that once formed Valencia's main northern entrance. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city and a natural starting point for exploring the Old Town, including the cathedral, the Lonja de la Seda silk exchange, and the El Carmen district. Crossing the bridge and continuing along the Jardín del Turia is a popular way to see Valencia on foot or by bike, away from city traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Pont dels Serrans? The current stone structure dates from 1518, though bridges have stood on this site since earlier times, including the Arab-era al-Qantara crossing.

Why is there no water under the bridge? The Turia was diverted around the city after the 1957 flood, and its former riverbed was converted into a public park.

Can visitors walk across the bridge? Yes, the bridge is fully open to pedestrians and forms a natural link between the Old Town and the districts to its north.

What stands next to the bridge? Directly beside it are the Torres de Serranos, a Gothic city gate and one of Valencia's most important historic monuments.