Puente de los Peligros

Puente de los Peligros is a stone arch bridge in Murcia, spanning the Segura River right at the edge of the old town. Also known as Puente Viejo (the Old Bridge), it was completed in 1742 and has served as one of the city's key river crossings for nearly three centuries.

Where is the bridge located?

Puente de los Peligros crosses the Segura in the heart of Murcia, within easy walking distance of the cathedral and the historic centre. Its central position makes it a natural stop on any walk along the riverside promenades, and travelers exploring the old town on foot will likely pass it without needing to detour.

Why is it called the "Bridge of Dangers"?

The name Puente de los Peligros translates literally as "Bridge of Dangers," and it's one of the first things visitors ask about. The Segura, though calm-looking today, was historically prone to sudden flooding, and earlier, less sturdy crossings at this spot were vulnerable to the river's swells. The stone bridge completed in the 18th century was built to give Murcia a safer, more permanent link between the two banks, able to withstand the river's seasonal surges.

What does the bridge look like architecturally?

The structure is a classic stone arch bridge, typical of 18th-century Spanish bridge engineering. Its rounded arches give the bridge a visually light profile while providing the strength needed to endure the Segura's periodic high water. Set against the riverside buildings, the bridge forms one of the more recognizable views along Murcia's waterfront, especially striking when seen from the promenades that run beside the river.

Why does the bridge matter to Murcia?

The Segura has always been the backbone of the city, its waters feeding the irrigation network behind the huerta murciana, the fertile farmland surrounding Murcia. Bridges like Puente de los Peligros were built as practical infrastructure, but over time they became witnesses to the city's history, surviving nearly three centuries of floods, urban change, and redevelopment along the riverbanks while keeping their original stone character.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The area around the bridge is a good starting point for a walk along the Segura's promenades and for exploring Murcia's historic centre, including the cathedral and the old town streets located just a short distance away. The view of the bridge from the riverside is one of the images that best captures the atmosphere of Murcia's old town by the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Puente de los Peligros? The bridge was completed in 1742, making it nearly 300 years old, and it has connected both banks of the Segura in Murcia ever since.

Where does the name "Bridge of Dangers" come from? The name refers to the historically hazardous nature of this stretch of river, prone to flooding, which is why a sturdy stone crossing was built to replace earlier, less reliable structures.

Does the bridge have another name? Yes, it is also known as Puente Viejo, the Old Bridge, a name that highlights its historic status compared to Murcia's newer river crossings.

Is the bridge worth visiting while touring Murcia? The bridge sits right in the city centre, along the walking routes beside the Segura, so it fits naturally into a stroll through the old town without requiring any extra detour.